§ Mr. Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the current estimated number of elm trees in Hyde Park affected by Dutch elm disease and the numbers treated by injection against attack by the disease; and if there are any contingency plans for saving trees of special importance.
§ Mr. ArmstrongAt present 110 trees in Hyde Park are materially affected by Dutch elm disease, 76 to the extent of 50 per cent. of more. Unhappily, evidence of additional trees being infected is appearing all the time. 27 selected trees are being treated by injection as a part of an experimental programme which has been carried out for the past three years. The treatment has to be repeated annually. A number of the original trees have been lost and others have been brought into the programme. The trees of special importance which we are most anxious to save are not, unfortunately, the ones which respond well to the recommended injection treatment. This is most effective for young trees.