HC Deb 18 July 1994 vol 247 cc56-7W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what are the conclusions of the latest research available to him on the potential dangers of humans coming into contact with Heracleum Mantegazzianum or Giant Hogweed; if he intends to fund further research; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if he will place a specific duty on river purification boards and water authorities to eradicate Heracleum Mantegazzianum or Giant Hogweed from the banks and verges of rivers, reservoirs and lochs;

(3) what powers he has to ensure that Heracleum Mantegazzianum or Giant Hogweed is eradicated from places to which the public have access or are likely to have access; what powers and duties local authorities have in this regard; what are the duties and responsibilities of landowners in relation to its eradication; and if he will make a statement;

(4) if he will bring forward legislation to give local authorities and/or landowners a duty to eradicate Heracleum Mantegazzianum or Giant Hogweed from places to which the public have access; and if he will make a statement;

(5) how many cases were recorded in each of the past five years of people requiring medical treatment after coming into contact with Heracleum Mantegazzianum or Giant Hogweed; and if he will make a statement.

Sir Hector Monro

[holding answer 1 July 1994]: The effect of Humans coming into contact with the sap of Heracleum Mantegazzianum or Giant Hogweed may require medical treatment from a GP or hospital but data are not available on the numbers of people requiring such treatment. Nor has my right hon. Friend been informed of research into any potential dangers from contact with this plant.

There is no specific statutory duty placed on any individual or body to eradicate Giant Hogweed from public places. Private landowners are free to do so and district councils have adequate powers under the nuisance provision of the Public Health (Scotland) Act 1897 where they consider that a public nuisance exists from Giant Hogweed. There are no plans to bring forward legislation imposing new duties of this kind on local authorities or landowners.