Mr. Tope askedthe Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much has been spent in the last 12 months by Government Departments and agencies in combatting Dutch elm disease.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartIn the year ended 31st March 1973 Government expenditure on combating Dutch elm disease was of the order of £250,000. This included a contribution towards the administrative expenses of local authorities engaged in the campaign against the disease, as well as the cost of research, a survey and advisory services.
§ Mr. Topeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the latest estimate of the number of trees in England still infected by Dutch elm disease;
(2) what is the latest estimate of the number of trees in England which have died or had to be destroyed as a result of Dutch elm disease in the most recent outbreak.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartA survey carried out by the Forestry Commission last August and September in the parts of England mainly affected by the disease indicated that about 3 million elms were infected. Of these it was estimated that roughly 1.4 million were dying or recently dead. A further survey will be made later this summer.