§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking in the light of the discovery of rhizomania in soil imported from Holland to prevent an outbreak in the United Kingdom sugar beet crop; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregor[holding answer 27 June 1988]: Since the rhizomania virus was discovered in the wrapped root base of Acers imported from the Netherlands I have been in close contact with the National Farmers' Union and the Dutch Minister of Agriculture over measures to prevent recurrence of this incident. the Ministry's plant health inspectoreate has already taken steps to trace as many of the plants in the same consignmment as it can where there might be a risk of further infection for analysis by MAFF's plant health laboratory. My officials are also seeking information from the Dutch plant health authorities as to any other consignments of similar material sent to the United Kingdom from the Dutch nursery where the Acers originated.