The GB Non-Native Species Strategy sets out a three pronged approach to dealing with invasive non-native species (INNS): horizon scanning and prevention; rapid response and eradication; and long term control. The Government has undertaken a variety of measures in line with the strategy, which is currently being revised and updated. The implementation of the strategy is overseen by a programme board, chaired by Defra, which includes the Environment Agency. The board regularly considers action to tackle specific species, including those in and around watercourses.

In 2011 Defra launched two campaigns to raise awareness of the risks posed by INNS and to prevent their spread: Be Plant Wise and Check, Clean, Dry. Defra is working closely with the Environment Agency to implement strategic plans and promote the Check, Clean, Dry message, in particular to prevent the spread of the quagga mussel, which arrived in England in October 2014. The Environment Agency is also continuing to monitor water bodies for quagga mussels and to work with water companies and watersports organisations to prevent the further spread, where possible.

The Check, Clean, Dry message is equally applicable to efforts to control the spread of non-native crayfish. Defra has also been funding the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) to develop a trapping methodology to help remove crayfish from waterways. Cefas has been examining how best to capture both adult and juvenile non-native crayfish and where best to locate the traps within a water body to improve trapping success. Its report is due for submission to Defra in March 2015 and will be used to produce best practice guidelines for trapping non-native crayfish.

In addition, between 2011 and 2015, Defra has provided funding to help set up and establish local action groups (LAGs) throughout England, to tackle invasive non-native species that can impact on the aquatic realm, including non-native crayfish, Himalayan balsam and American mink. LAGs have undertaken a range of activities, including the cutting and treatment of Himalyan balsam; the use of mink rafts to capture American mink; and crayfish traps to capture non-native crayfish. LAGs have been a driving force in promoting biosecurity messages and have also undertaken horizon scanning for INNS, which are likely to arrive in local areas.

The Defra-funded trial release of a rust fungus to control the growth and spread of Himalayan balsam was carried out during 2014 and this work continues to be monitored to assess impacts.

The Government's policy on genetically modified (GM) crops will take account of all relevant evidence. It should be noted, however, that the potential for weed or pest resistance to develop is not specific to GM production. It is also an issue for the effective management of conventional crops.

Within the European Community, the responsibility for the phytosanitary checks on the imports of controlled wood used as biofuel rests with the individual member state where the material is landed. Responsibility for control of intra-community movement rests with the registered traders in the relevant member states. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is responsible for co-ordination of plant health policy for the UK. In Great Britain, the Forestry Commission is responsible for implementing the plant health controls relating to import and movement of controlled wood used as biofuel. In Northern Ireland, the Department

of Agriculture and Rural Development Forest Service undertakes the same responsibility. Where physical inspection is required in Great Britain this is carried out by inspectors authorised by the Forestry Commission under the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005.

Responsibility for dealing with problems caused by wild animals normally rests with the occupier of the land concerned.

Under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that their districts are kept, as far as is practicable, free of rats. The Act gives local authorities the power to require landowners and occupiers to control rat infestations on their land. A local authority can also, where necessary, carry out the control work itself and recover the cost of such action from the landowner or occupier.

Natural England provides advice on controlling rat infestations; its publication Rats: O ptions for C ontrolling I nfestations is available on its website.