§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures he plans to require the owners of land to which the public may have access to eradicate Heracleum Mantegazzianum; and if he will make a statement about the dangers associated with this plant. [24082]
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§ Mr. MossNo new measures are planned to require the owners of land to which the public may have access to eradicate Heracleum Mantegazzianum or giant hogweed. The Department of Agriculture and Department of Environment continue to promote a programme of voluntary control.
The existing provisions of the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1888 give district councils powers to deal with "nuisances" in premises, including lands, which are in such a state as to be "injurious to health".
The danger associated with giant hogweed is that the plants release sap when the stems are cut or leaf hairs are broken. On contact with the skin in sunlight, the sap can cause severe blistering.