§ Sir David PriceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect the spread of the eutypiose438W fungus upon vine stocks is expected to have upon wine production in the European Community; and what steps are being proposed to contain the spread.
§ Mr. Ryder[holding answer 2 March 1989]: Eutypa lata has been fairly widely distributed in the traditional wine producing countries for many years. I am not aware of any proposals from the European Commission specifically concerned with its treatment or containment. There have been no confirmed cases in which it has been identified in this country but ADAS horticultural advisers and plant pathologists have been alerted since 1987 to watch for possible signs of the disease.