ANIMALS AND PLANTS TO WHICH SECTION 14 APPLIES (Hansard, 13 July 1981)

§ Mr. Monro
I beg to move amendment No. 193, in page 71, leave out line 23.

§ Mr. Deputy Speaker
With this we may take Government amendments Nos. 194 and 195.

§ Mr. Monro
The amendments are for clarification. The term "Dog, Prairie" is misleading, because a "prairie dog" is not a dog but a rodent of the marmot family.
Amendment No. 195 clarifies points about the giant hogweed, the giant kelp and the Japanese knotweed.

§ Mr. Hardy
Amendment No. 195 refers to the giant kelp, which is not here yet. The other species named with it are already to be found in and around the British Isles. The kelp is perhaps the largest plant that can be found on the globe, and it could present serious problems to the British Isles.
Will the Minister take steps to ensure that the French do not introduce that plant into French waters? If they did, the plant that we sought to prevent coming to Britain 941 would inevitably and rapidly come, with serious consequences. What further steps do the Government have in mind to ensure that it does not land in this country?

§ Mr. Beith
I should like to draw attention to the particular difficulty presented by the giant hogweed and the importance of its inclusion in the Bill. It grows in great profusion in my constituency, particularly along the River Tweed and certain other rivers, where it grows to a height of 6 feet or 7 feet, to the exclusion of much other wildlife.
The most serious problem is that children coming into contact with the plant frequently sustain a rash, which often leaves long-term or even permanent marks on the skin. The plant is tempting to children because of its size and the fact that they can pluck huge lengths and pretend that they are walking around with a tree or a weapon in their hands. Parents living in the areas near where it grows find it a constant menace.
Attempts by landowners and local authorities to deal with the problem economically have constantly failed. Attempting to prevent the plant's importation will not solve the problem caused by the fact that it is already there, but it betokens the Government's concern about the nuisance presented by its profusion. I hope that its inclusion in the Bill will be backed up by advice from the Department to local authorities and others in the areas affected about how to deal with it—how to control and eradicate it—as well as advice to doctors and parents on how to deal with the skin problems arising from contact with it by children.

§ Mr. Monro
The giant kelp is a serious problem. It is an enormous seaweed, and once it becomes established it can be a menace to shipping. Off the North-West coast of North America the kelp beds are marked on navigation charts, and considerable expense is incurred in clearing channels.
Marine biologists claim that if the weed became established around our shores the consequences could be of near-disaster dimensions. Everybody in Europe is ganging up to try to stop the French introducing the giant kelp around their shores. I hope that the international pressure will have some impact.
The hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith) mentioned the giant hogweed spreading in the Tweed valley. It is a dangerous plant, the sap of which has resulted in deaths in the Netherlands. I noted what the hon. Gentleman said, and I shall make certain that the Department concerned is informed and see whether special advice can be given to restrict the plant's spread. The amendment will prevent its spread by human methods, or its introduction from overseas to other parts of Britain. I hope that the publicity about our little debate will show how seriously the Government and everyone else concerned take the matter.