§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has on the frequency, and dangers from the accidental import, of the Colorado beetle.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding answer 21 June 1988]:Up to 100 or so Colorado beetles are found in the United Kingdom each year. The beetles enter the country in a wide variety of ways. Most are found on fruit and vegetables imported from the continent but others occasionally arrive on timber, vehicles and other materials. Thanks to the vigilance of the public in alerting the police or my officials when beetles are found we have managed to prevent this pest being established in our potato crops, where it could do substantial damage. It is very important that this vigilance continues.