“CORKY SCAB” DISEASE

Northern Advocate, 4 May 1933, Page 10

“CORKY SCAB” DISEASE

EMBARGO OX POTATOES,

AUSTT?ALT AN* RRSI,ST REMOVA L

(Received 9.30 a.in.) CANBERRA, This Day

The danger of introducing the "corky scab” potato disease into Australia by the removal of the embargo on New Zealand potatoes was emphasised during a debate in the House of Representatives. Mr *. L. .Gardiner, the Government Whip, talked out a motion that the House adjourn to discuss the proposal to lift the embargo. Mr D. C. McGrath (Ballarat), who introduced the motion, said that he did not seek a. vote on the question, but was anxious for a full statement of the Government’s intentions. Potato growers were greatly alarmed at the proposal to remove the embargo, because the introduction of "corky scab” would moan the ruin of local crops and would throw idle for ten years or more the laud now used for potatoes. Exports said that it was impossible to eradicate the disease, yet the Government was contemplating introducing a dreadful disease into the third greatest primary industry in Victoria. By a stroke of the pen it was proposed to wipe the potato growers out of existence.

Mr McGrath added that potatoes sold last month at £S a ton had declined to £d when the rumour got about that New Zealand potatoes were coming here. On the other hand, they increased from to £d per (on in New Zealand.

A deputation of '2 OO growers, he said, despite the expense involved, was coiping to Canberra on Friday to see Air J. A. Lyons, Prime Minister, seeking a definite statement.

Mr F. H. Stewart, Minister of Commerce, said that he could not divulge the text of the proposed agreement, but he gave the assurance that the Government would take no action which would imperil the potato industry.