§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to ensure the combating of woody nightshade in areas susceptible to brown rot of potatoes where the watercourses are within internal drainage board areas. [101294]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 6 December 1999]: An exercise is under way to eradicate the bacterium which causes potato brown rot (Ralstonia solanacearum) from watercourses in East Anglia where it is known to occur, by eliminating woody nightshade plants which act as a host for the bacterium. This work is being carried out in conjunction with the Environment Agency, the British Potato Council and, in the Middle Level drainage area, the Middle Level Commissioners. Information on the project has been sent to all growers with water abstraction licences in the areas concerned.