§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to have giant hogweed registered as an injurious and dangerous weed in Scotland.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe Weeds Act 1959 empowers the Secretary of State for Scotland to require an occupier to take action to control listed weeds. However these powers are invoked only where there is a threat to agriculture, and there is no evidence to suggest that giant hogweed represents such a threat. My right hon. Friend therefore, does not propose to add it to the list of injurious weeds. It is for local authorities to decide whether the plant constitutes a nuisance under section 16 of the Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897 and to take action accordingly.