§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has for a coordinated and strategic approach to the problem of Japanese knotweed. [167851]
§ Mr. BradshawI am aware of the problems caused by the spread of the introduced non-native plant, Japanese knotweed. Current legislative controls exist under section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) to prevent its deliberate planting or growing in the wild. The Department is also collaborating with a consortium led by Cornwall County Council to undertake a four-year project researching the natural control of Japanese knotweed. The study began last year and will undertake the necessary research to establish whether natural control is a feasible method for the long-term, sustainable management of Japanese knotweed in the UK.
Recognising the importance of a strategic approach for non-native species policy, the Department recently consulted on the development of a strategy, and officials are currently analysing the responses. It is essential that limited resources are targeted to the most problematic species, and the outcome of the consultation will assist my Department and the Devolved Administrations in developing a strategy that will help prioritise action.
1349WThe hon. Member may be interested to learn that in the meantime, my Department has commissioned research to develop a standardised risk assessment system enabling species to be routinely assessed. Following the development and introduction of risk assessment procedures, the aim would be to identify those species constituting the highest risk(s). The risk assessment procedure may also be of use in identifying those established invasive non-native species where action may be appropriate.