§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into Horse Chestnut disease; [R] [75850]
(2) what publicity his Ministry has undertaken to ensure that the symptoms of Horse Chestnut disease can be recognised; and what estimate he has made of its prevalence in the United Kingdom; [R] [75832]
(3) what discussions he has had with ministers of European Union countries about the spread of Horse Chestnut disease; [R] [75833]
(4) what arrangements he has made for effective measures to be taken to combat Horse Chestnut disease. [R] [75834]
§ Mr. MorleyThe horse chestnut leaf miner causes horse chestnut trees to lose their leaves; these symptoms are sometimes referred to as Horse Chestnut disease. The leaf miner has not been found in the United Kingdom; it prefers the warmer summers found in other parts of Europe.
The Forestry Commission has studied the problem and evaluated the risks it poses to trees in the United Kingdom, drawing on experience and research in continental Europe. The Commission concluded that the risk of the leaf miner becoming established in the United Kingdom is very small, and that there is therefore no need for further research in the United Kingdom at present. We shall, of course, continue to monitor the spread of the leaf miner elsewhere in Europe, in association with other European countries.
As the leaf miner is not present in the United Kingdom, we do not think that a publicity campaign to heighten awareness is necessary. We shall, however, continue to enforce our strict plant health regulations which should ensure that the leaf miner does not enter the country on imported plants or timber.
Neither my right hon. Friend the Minister nor I have discussed the problem with fellow Ministers in the European Union. Our officials in the Forestry Commission are, however, keeping in close contact with their colleagues in other Governments and research institutes throughout Europe.