Mr. Mark Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that no phytopathological risks will be entailed in the importation of Christmas trees in the current year.
§ Mrs. FennerI am satisfied that all reasonable measures are being taken to deal with the risk of the introduction of harmful pests or diseases into this country on imported wood and trees.
These measures have recently been strengthened by the Import and Export of Trees, Wood and Bark (Health) (Great Britain) (Amendment) Order 1983. Under this order the import of Christmas trees over three metres in height is prohibited, except where they have been grown in nurseries in Europe and have not been severed from their roots. The Forestry Commission may, however, license imports in special cases. Smaller Christmas trees may be imported from European countries, but they and the larger nursery-grown trees must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. The Forestry Commission also carries out inspections at ports of entry.
Mr. Mark Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many arboreal phytopathologists are employed by his Department; and whether he is satisfied that sufficient such staff are employed.
Infant cot deaths by age and sex, 1978 to 1982 Age Year Sex Total under 1 year Under 1 week 1 to 3 weeks 1 to 2 months 3 to 5 months 6 to 8 months 9 to 11 months 1978 M 601 6 21 267 235 57 15 F 373 8 25 156 128 50 6 1979 M 647 17 26 268 251 63 22 F 455 10 19 167 176 70 13 1980 M 740 12 44 294 276 90 24 F 482 5 31 183 174 68 21 1981 M 754 8 39 314 287 86 20 F 511 15 25 199 190 60 22 1982 M 801 7 33 331 308 95 27 F 532 7 18 201 203 74 29
§ Mr. Andrew Bowdenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how may babies died in (a) the Brighton area, and (b) the east Sussex county council area during
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§ Mrs. FennerThe Forestry Commission employs 10 forest pathologists. In addition, two of the commission's staff are at present on contract to the Department of the Environment as arboricultural pathologists.