§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has received written representation asking him to make giant hogweed a notifiable weed since the publication of the recent paper by Williams and Forbes arguing that it harbours fungus which attacks a wide range of crops; and whether he has given further consideration to the matter.
§ Mrs. FennerSince the publication of the paper by Williamson and Forbes, I have received written representations from one source asking me to make Giant Hogweed a scheduled weed under the Weeds Act 1959. Although the Giant Hogweed does act a a host to the fungusSclerotinia sclerotiorum, this is a very common organism which is found on a whole range of wild plants. I cannot therefore add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member on 1 December 1982. [Vol. 33, c. 175.]