§ Baroness Sharples asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they have found a means of combating the spread of Japanese knotweed.
The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Caithness)My Lords, control by a combination of rigorous cutting and grazing has proved successful at one site. More generally, however, chemical control is likely to offer the best chance of success.
§ Baroness SharplesMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. I believe that everybody is slightly bewildered by the Question. Is my noble friend aware that this Japanese Himalayan and giant knotweed grows to nine feet in height? It is very spectacular. Does my noble friend agree that it has now been declared a pest in various counties as a result of research done in Wales, by the Nature Conservancy Council at Peterborough and also at Sussex University?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, my noble friend is right. It is becoming a pest in various parts of England and indeed also in the Principality of Wales.
§ Lord Mowbray and StourtonMy Lords, can my noble friend the Minister inform me whether or not this Japanese knotweed is a cousin of our old friend sticky willie, from which I suffer?
The Earl of CaithnessMy Lords, I am afraid that my knowledge of weeds and grasses is perhaps not as good as it should be. However, I know that in the 1930s it was known as Hancock's Curse.
§ Baroness StrangeMy Lords, is my noble friend the Minister aware that I have just discovered from my noble friend Lady Sharples what Japanese knotweed is? It is a most revolting weed which has flourished extremely well in our garden for the past 20 years or so. I am always trying to get rid of it. When it is burnt it makes a noise like a pistol shot.