Dutch Elm Disease

HC Deb 05 May 1993 vol 224 c165W

24. Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking to prevent the spread of Dutch elm disease.

Sir Hector Monro

Dutch elm disease has already spread throughout Britain, apart from some parts of north Scotland. Legislation has been in place for many years giving local authorities powers to order the felling of diseased trees in certain areas where this would help to contain the disease. The Forestry Commission is continuing to investigate possible control methods, including a virus that attacks the fungus which causes the disease. It is also working on the development of disease resistant strains of English elm.