HC Deb 21 October 1946 vol 427 c284W
70. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many Colorado beetles have been captured during the past summer; how many persons were employed in this operation; and what was the total cost.

Mr. T. Williams

A total of 47 adult beetles, with colonies of larvae in some instances, were found this year at 25 separate places in England. The majority of the cases were brought to light by growers or other members of the public. Spraying of potato crops and soil disinfection in the infected areas are carried out by contractors who have only just completed their task but have not rendered any accounts. I cannot yet state the number of persons employed or the cost involved.