§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent reports he has received about sightings of Colorado Beetle(a) tendered voluntarily and (b) in response to requests; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroSo far this year six Colorado beetles have been found in Scotland, as a result of inspections undertaken by officials of the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department.
Colorado beetle is a notifiable quarantine pest under the Plant Health (Great Britain) Order 1993 and the United Kingdom is recognised as a protected zone against this pest under the EU single market plant health arrangements. 564W Each year the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department conducts a publicity campaign which has helped to increase public awareness of the pest.
No breeding colony has ever been established in Scotland or elsewhere in the United Kingdom.