§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at how many places in Northern Ireland the New Zealand flatworm has been identified; what effect its presence has had on native earthworm populations; what research he has undertaken as to the consequences for soil fertility as a result of infestation by the flatworm; whether any control measures have been implemented; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyThe New Zealand flatworm has now been identified at just over 300 sites, the majority of which are domestic gardens. It has occasionally been associated with reductions in earthworm numbers. The diversity of earthworm species may also be reduced by this flatworm.
The importance of earthworms to soil fertility is well established and the impact of the flatworm on earthworm populations in Northern Ireland is being studied by scientists from the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland.
There are no control measures currently available.