HL Deb 28 April 1998 vol 589 cc150-3

3.9 p.m.

Lord Methuen

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to control and eradicate the outbreak of termites in north Devon.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Baroness Hayman)

My Lords, my department is closely monitoring the situation with the Building Research Establishment which is also conducting research to determine if there is any risk of the problem spreading beyond the single property known to be affected at the present time. The first task for the Building Research Establishment is to research optimum means of eradicating the infestation, and it is seeking help from overseas in doing this. The report is being prepared as a matter of urgency in consultation with the industry. As soon as it is to hand, a decision will be made on what action is required.

Lord Methuen

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that information. Is she aware that the outbreak of termites in north Devon threatens a disaster comparable with that of Dutch Elm disease but is far more personal as it affects people's houses rather than just trees? It may interest the House to know that if only two of the insects—one of each sex—fly out of the existing colony they can establish further colonies. I understand that the site concerned is totally affected, including the whole of the garden and the greenhouse as well as the house and the retaining wall. If any of the colony remain after action has been taken, within only four to eight days the remaining inhabitants of the nest can produce a new king and queen further to propagate the colony. I wonder what the Minister cares to say about that.

Baroness Hayman

My Lords, I am well aware that concerns have been expressed about the extent of the problem that could be posed by termites becoming established in this country. That is why my honourable friend the Minister responsible for construction has asked for urgent advice from the Building Research Establishment on the scale of the problem, its likely impact and, most crucially, on what effective measures can be taken to eradicate the termites. I should make it clear that only one building is affected currently; that that building was affected in 1994; and that it is possible that the source of the infestation was 10 years prior to that. Therefore, I believe that the timescale involved allows us to look at the issues involved—we are doing so urgently—and take the appropriate action.

Baroness Gardner of Parkes

My Lords, does the Minister know that Australia has termites known as "white ants"? They are common—in fact, they are everywhere—but buildings are still standing. Is the Minister aware that the echidna, or anteater, is a natural predator of termites and thrives on them? If the worst comes to the worst, will the Minister consider introducing a few echidna from Australia to deal with the problem?

Baroness Hayman

My Lords, I am always grateful for the international comparisons which the noble Baroness is able to give us and for her lateral thinking on such issues. There will be a serious problem if we find that termites, inadvertently imported into this country, can survive in the British climate when we thought in the past that that was not possible. I understand what the noble Baroness says about some buildings remaining in Australia, but these pests cause great damage there and in southern Europe. If there is any danger of that happening here. we ought to take the appropriate action.

Baroness Nicol

My Lords, while the Building Research Establishment is looking into the problem, has any attempt been made under the pest control by-laws to deal with the matter at local authority level? There should be a great sense of urgency about this because, if we have a warm summer, it could become a real problem. Has the local authority been involved?

Baroness Hayman

My Lords, as I understand it, at the moment it is the Building Research Establishment which is very much involved. It is preparing a report on the building concerned. It would, of course, be willing to give advice on neighbouring buildings because it is important to know whether it is possible that the problem has spread. We are considering how to prevent similar importations in the future. Responsibility for that comes under the Plant Health (Forestry) (Great Britain) Order 1993. The Forestry Commission is at present carrying out a pest risk analysis of termites. If it indicates that certain measures are necessary, they will be taken forward.

Lord Mackie of Benshie

My Lords, is the Minister aware that Australians should not talk about the introduction of strange species into other countries given what the rabbit did to Australia? Will the noble Baroness ensure that no termites or "anti-termites" are imported from Australia?

Baroness Hayman

My Lords, these matters are covered in the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which very much takes into account the danger that the importation of species into other countries can have for the natural habitat and other species. I am sure that my colleagues will view any such proposals carefully.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, instead of eradicating this outbreak completely, will the Government consider transporting some of the termites to the government office building in Marsham Street where they could contribute to a popular demolition job?

Baroness Hayman

My Lords, I think there are other ways of dealing with Marsham Street.

The Earl of Halsbury

My Lords, do Her Majesty's Government recognise that in any occurrence or class of occurrences there is always one which, with the wisdom of hindsight, was historically the first and went unrecognised? Will Her Majesty's Government consider informing the local bug hunters in Devonshire, many of whom are amateur lepidopterists, of what to look for and who to report to if they find it?

Baroness Hayman

My Lords, hindsight is an interesting aspect of this. With hindsight, the measures that were taken in 1994, which were considered then to be substantial enough to deal with the outbreak, turned out not to be substantial enough because the problem has recurred. It is important that we recognise that and the potential of termites surviving in the more temperate parts of Great Britain. As I understand it. the Building Research Establishment is putting in monitoring stakes as they are the most effective way of monitoring any potential spread. I am sure that any amateur help that could be given would be much appreciated.