§ Lord Lucasasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Hayman on 29 June (WA 104–105), whether they will list the expenditure budgeted by the Forestry Commission in the current financial year on (a) its own costs for working with overseas researchers; (b) its own research; and (c) its contribution to the costs of overseas research. [HL3704]
§ Baroness HaymanThe Forestry Commission does not have a specific budget for research on the Asian Longhorn Beetle, but last year it spent £17,000 working with overseas researchers, particularly in China and the USA, where extensive research is being undertaken on the beetle. The commission is not carrying out its own research, nor is it contributing financially to overseas research.
§ Lord Lucasasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Hayman on 29th June (WA 104–105), when they expect, or hope, to find an appropriate, evironmentally sound method of controlling the Asian Longhorn Beetle. [HL3705]
§ Baroness HaymanIt is not yet possible to say when, or if, a suitable method of controlling the Asian Longhorn Beetle will be found. The research work is, however, well supported and progress is being made. Researchers in China are assessing various natural predators which attack the beetle during its larval and pupal stages. One such predatorDastarcus longulus, has been found to kill between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of the larvae and pupae in some areas in China. However, more research is required to discover if the populations of these natural predators can be manipulated to control the beetle effectively. In the USA, work has concentrated on using insect pathogens for controlling the beetle. Results so far indicate that one particular fungus, Beauveria bassiana, may have some potential.