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Written question asked by Caroline Lucas (Green Party) on Wednesday, 17 July 2013, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 September 2013. It was answered by David Heath (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 2 September 2013 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the Written Statement of 16 July 2013, Official Report, columns 78-9WS, on Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Taskforce, what steps he has put in place to (a) avoid the introduction into the UK of the emerald ash borer and (b) reduce the threat to tree health and bio-security from the global trade in soil; what assessment he has made of whether the emerald ash borer would reproduce effectively in and kill the ash trees showing resistance to Chalara; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) would be a potentially damaging pest to ash trees in the UK, including those showing resistance to Chalara fraxinea, if it were introduced and allowed to establish. It is not present in the UK or elsewhere in the EU; the Plant Health (England) Order 2005 (as amended) and the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 (as amended) include requirements to protect against its introduction. Specific measures are in place to ensure that imported ash trees and wood are free of the pest. Ash trees cannot currently be imported, due to the restrictions in place in connection with Chalara fraxinea. Following the UK pressing for these measures to be reviewed for the EU as a whole, new legislation is now being prepared which will further strengthen the protection in place.

The Plant Health (England) Order 2005 (as amended) and the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 (as amended) include requirements to protect against the risk of introducing harmful plant pests via soil. These include a prohibition on importing soil from most countries outside Europe. Where small quantities of soil are attached to plant roots to sustain their vitality, the soil must meet specific import requirements on pest freedom. We are currently working with the European Commission and other member states to assess the effectiveness of these controls and consider what further measures might be necessary to protect the EU as a whole. As a first step, the European Food Safety Authority has been asked to produce a scientific opinion on this issue.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
166851; 567 cc124-6W
Session
2013-14
Related items
Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Taskforce
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects
Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity Expert Taskforce
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk