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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 16

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Damage to Growing Wheat Crop.

asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that extensive damage has been done to the growing wheat crop in several areas by a pest of leather jackets; and that, owing to war restrictions, farmers cannot get the usual imported efficient remedy to combat the trouble; and if the Minister will suggest some native remedy and endeavour, through the county agricultural instructors to bring it to the notice of those farmers who are suffering severely from the pest.

I am not aware that the damage to cereal crops by the leather-jacket grub is greater this year than usual. The measures recommended to be taken against this pest are set out in Leaflet No. 51, copies of which may be obtained free of charge from my Department. These measures include the use of the insecticide, Paris Green, mixed with bran, to form a poison bait. I understand that moderate supplies of this insecticide are available and, if there is a greater demand for the substance, it is expected that additional supplies can be obtained. Bran is not, of course, now available, but the poison can be mixed with any other suitable bait, such as ground oats or flake meal.

Am I rightly informed that there is a preparation called "Vaporite" which is very effective and that its importation is prohibited at present?

I do not know if it is particularly suitable. I would have to get notice of that question.

The importation of it is not prohibited by the Department?

I could not say.

Is it not the practice of the Department to prohibit preparations of the kind being imported, unless the owner or inventor discloses the secret of their composition?

That is a separate question.

It has arisen. The Minister said he was not aware that the importation of "Vaporite" was prohibited. It is common knowledge.

We have Paris Green, anyway. We do not want "Vaporite" for this particular purpose.

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