Written question asked by Sandra Gidley (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 24 September 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 October 2002. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will make a statement on the spread of Cameraria Ohridella; and what action her Department is taking. - Includes ref to 26 February 2002 at 380 c1198W and Forestry Commission publication 'Exotic Pest Alert'.

Answer: Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the spread of Cameraria Ohridella; and what action her Department is taking. [74199] Mr. Morley: I indicated in the answer I gave the hon. Member on 26 February 2002, Official Report, column 1198W, that it was considered highly likely that the Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner (cameraria ohridella) would spread to Britain. In July it was confirmed that the moth is now present in parts of Wimbledon. We have conducted a joint survey of the area and surrounding local Boroughs, and the Forestry Commission has placed baited pheromone traps at selected ports and towns in the south of England. So far the moth appears to be confined to the Wimbledon area but further spread is considered inevitable. The Commission has alerted Tree Officers in the London Boroughs and it has distributed its ``Exotic Pest Alert'' publication describing the moth and showing the symptoms to look for. Trees will look unsightly following defoliation by the moth, but they will recover. An EU research programme is underway which includes work to try to develop practical control methods. Forestry Commission scientists are in regular contact with the scientists in this programme and are also carrying out their own studies.

Secondary information