ELM BARK BEETLE

HL Deb 27 January 1982 vol 426 cc1052-3WA

Baroness Masham of Ilton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How and when the Russian Beetle entered this country and started attacking elm trees and what is the danger of another major infestation.

Earl Ferrers

It is presumed that the beetle referred to isScolytus laevis which is a vector of Dutch elm disease found in Northern Europe. A few of these beetles have recently been identified in Britain during research, but it is not yet known for certain whether the species is indigenous or, if not, how or when it arrived here.

As the two other species of elm bark beetles which are the main vectors of the disease are widely distributed and prolific breeders, it is very unlikely that Scolytus laevis will add significantly to its spread, but research is continuing to determine this beetle's importance.