HC Deb 17 February 1993 vol 219 cc218-9W
Mr. Robert Banks

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the powers of the inspectorate for plant health.

Mr. Curry

The powers of the plant health and seeds inspectorate are set out in the Plant Health (Great Britain) Order 1987.

The inspectorate is empowered to take appropriate action to ensure that a high plant health status is maintained, consistent with the necessity to allow the continuation of trade wherever possible. This will continue under the single market arrangements for plant health which are due to come into force on 1 June this year.