§ Mr. James Hillasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the number of trees destroyed since the outbreak of Dutch elm disease in the Southamption area; and if he will take steps to ensure that all precautions are taken before felling commences.
§ Mr. Peter MillsI understand that about 630 elm trees have been felled so far in the county borough of Southampton during the present outbreak of the disease.
Local authorities responsible for implementing the Elm Disease Orders are no doubt fully alive to the need for adequate safety precautions and I see no need for any action on my part.