HC Deb 19 December 1995 vol 268 cc1060-1W
Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much Scottish Natural Heritage has paid out in grants for the eradication of Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed for (a) 1994 and (b) 1995; and how much was paid to Argyll and Bute district council. [5768]

Mr. Kynoch

Scottish Natural Heritage made a grant of £340.16 to Jura community council for the control of Japanese knotweed in 1994 and has offered £200 in 1995. SNH also made a grant of £2,500 in 1995 to the Tweed Forum for a hogweed study. SNH has not paid out any grant towards the eradication of Himalayan balsam. No grant in connection with any of the species has been paid to Argyll and Bute district council.

Mrs. Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the islands in Argyll and Bute where Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed have been recorded in the wild. [5769]

Mr. Kynoch

Although no specific records of the distribution of these three plants throughout Scotland are kept, it is known that they are commonly found in the wild—especially along riverbanks, roadsides and wasteground.

There have been reports of the presence of Japanese knotweed on Coll, Islay, Jura, Mull, Lismore, Seil and Shuna, and it is suspected to be present on Colonsay and Bute. Himalayan balsam has been reported on Seil and Eilean Righ and is suspected to occur on Bute. Giant hogweed has been reported on one site on Mull.

Mrs. Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the plant species for which grants arc available for eradication from Scottish Natural Heritage. [5770]

Mr. Kynoch

Scottish Natural Heritage will consider offering grant for the eradication or management of any plant posing a threat to the natural heritage of Scotland or to the enjoyment of the natural heritage by the public.