§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the potential impact on United Kingdom exports of plants to Sweden of the New Zealand flatworm. [12422]
§ Mr. BoswellSweden has listed the New Zealand flatworm as an indirect plant pest in its national legislation. We understand that this measure was adopted in order that the Swedish authorities could take action against any consignments which were found to be infested with the New Zealand flatworm. The UK Agriculture Departments, in consultation with the horticulture industry, have drawn up a code of practice to ensure that exported plants are free from the flatworm. The Government are also funding research into the biology of non-indigenous flatworms and methods of controlling their spread.