§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her Department's policy is on controlling the spread of Japanese Knotweed. [67922]
§ Mr. MorleyJapanese Knotweed is a large, vigorous weed. It is a non-native introduction which appears to have no natural enemies in 13ritain. It is an offence under Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) to plant or otherwise cause Japanese Knotweed to grow in the wild. There is no obligation on landowners to control Japanese Knotweed on their own land.
The Department is currently undertaking a fundamental review of policy on invasive non-native species, with other Government Departments, industry and conservation bodies, considering the causes of, and problems arising from, the introduction and spread of non-native species.
With regard to relevant research, I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell (Matthew Taylor) on 25 June 2002, Official Report, column 760W.