HC Deb 27 January 1986 vol 90 cc403-5W
Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the effect of the current restrictions on the sale of the seed pea variety Belinda on the United Kingdom seed industry in relation to the same industry in other European Economic Community member states.

Mrs. Fenner

We have received representations to the effect that our action in imposing restrictions on the sale of stocks of pea seed infected with pea bacterial blight is not paralleled in other member states. This is, however, a serious disease, prohibited intra-Community trade, and a means must be found of protecting our crops from it.

Mr. John Carlisle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will lift immediately the current holding orders on second generation seed peas of the cultivar Belinda;

(2) what evidence has been found of the existence of the disease pseudomonas syringae in stocks of the Belinda pea seed; and what recommendations he is making to those in the pea seed industry who are in possession of such stocks;

(3) when his officials first investigated the instance of the disease pseudomonas syringae in Belinda pea seed; what action has been taken by officials of his Department; and when he expects to make a statement indicating whether such stocks should be withdrawn.

Mrs. Fenner

We hope to announce shortly how the stocks of protein pea seed which are infected with pea bacterial blight may be used. This serious disease was found last September in a sample taken from a crop. My officials traced the related stocks. Since then these stocks have been held under statutory notices. Sowing or sale for sowing is prohibited but controlled movement for compounding into animal feed or for other approved uses is allowed. A statistically based sampling programme was instituted and laboratory tests found infection in 10 out of 15 samples from the suspect stocks. We shall need to continue to control the infected stocks so long as this is necessary to avoid risk of spreading the disease.

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