§ 55. Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the number of cases of Colorado beetle since 1st January, 1947; what was, in each case, the suspected method of infection; in how many of these cases has the infection been completely stamped out; whether he is satisfied that the situation is under control; and what has been the effect of the stopping of imports of spinach from Holland.
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§ Mr. T. WilliamsUp to 3rd July last, 11 small infestations of the Colorado beetle have been found on potato crops this year. In addition 142 single beetles have been found and destroyed. In almost all the cases of infestation it is probable that the beetles have been introduced from the Continent, though in two instances they may possibly have arisen from colonies undetected last year. It is believed that the drastic measures taken to stamp out the outbreaks have been fully effective, and that the situation is under control. The stoppage of Dutch vegetable imports, including spinach, which does not comply with the requirements of the Importation of Plants Order, 1947, is a safeguard against possible infection from that source.