§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action the Department is taking in England in 284W general and in Bedfordshire in particular to combat the spread of the Dutch Elm disease; whether there is any known toxic spray available for destroying the beetle larvae; and whether he proposes legislative action to combat the disease.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartOn 6th October the Forestry Commission called a conference of local authorities and other interested bodies in order to publicise measures for controlling elm disease. These measures have also been publicised in a Forestry Commission leaflet entitled "The Dying Elms". A representative of Bedfordshire County Council attended the conference.
No satisfactory method of controlling the disease by chemical means can be recommended at present.
I am not satisfied that legislation is necessary but the position is being kept under review.