Dutch Elm Disease (Hansard, 8 December 1972)

§ Mr. Anthony Stodart

The Forestry Commission's latest Report revealed that the disease had become more widespread and more virulent, with new characteristics which make it even more difficult to combat; and that it had taken a firm hold even where the major felling strategy had been pursued with the utmost vigour.

After personally discussing this changed situation with representatives from a wide range of organisations concerned, my right hon. Friends have reluctantly concluded that it would be unrealistic to persist with the main felling campaign by which we had hoped to contain the disease. I am glad to have this opportunity of paying tribute to the considerable efforts made by local authorities, land owners and others concerned with that campaign; and, as one who shares the widespread appreciation of the elm, I greatly regret that, in common with other countries which have suffered from this disease. we have been unable to halt its progress.

We, therefore propose, to revoke the Dutch Elm Disease (Local Authorities) Orders, which gave certain local authorities special powers of control, including the power to require the felling of diseased elms. This will be put in hand immediately. Meanwhile, I am suggesting to the local authorities concerned that they should refrain from taking further action in exercise of their powers, and to suspend any that may be in train. Local authorities will be entitled to claim expenses for extra administration incurred by them in the exercise of the orders up to 31st January, 1973, within the overall financial ceiling previously authorised.

We do not preclude the possibility that selective felling of infectious elms on an essentially local and voluntary basis might still offer some prospect of saving local elm populations in the relatively few areas where there are unquestionably good natural barriers to the disease, where infection is still comparatively light, and where there is a strong local wish to continue with felling measures, even though there is no clear assurance of success. Where local authorities have areas answering to this description, they will be encouraged to contact the Forestry 529W Commission so that there can be an urgent joint assessment of the feasibility of small-scale local action and the form this might take.

The Forestry Commission will also be advising local authorities generally on the use of the fungicide benomyl. This may help to prevent the disease in specific conditions and where owners or occupiers feel justified in incurring the relatively heavy cost of annual treatments. The Commission is planning large-scale trials with this fungicide in which it will be seeking the co-operation of local authorities and land owners.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment will be considering with the Forestry Commission and the Countryside Commission and with the counties most affected how best to formulate long-term replanting plans for renewing their woodland landscape, and to embark on these plans during Tree Planting Year.