EU: Xylella Fastidiosa Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Lord Carrington
Main Page: Lord Carrington (Crossbench - Excepted Hereditary)Department Debates - View all Lord Carrington's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
(3 years, 9 months ago)
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Lord Gardiner of Kimble
My Lords, we have arrangements with the EU and with the rest of the world, and we are absolutely clear that biosecurity will never be weakened. We will do all that we can on a range of issues, and in the case of Xylella fastidiosa our objective is to keep it out of this country. It is moving in the EU, but it comes from elsewhere. As the Minister for Kew, I am very clear that scientists will work together to ensure that we conquer as many of these diseases as possible.
Lord Carrington (CB) [V]
My Lords, what plans do the Government have to introduce country of origin labelling on imported plants and trees, together with the vital dissemination of information on relevant diseases to UK nurseries and distributers?
Lord Gardiner of Kimble
My Lords, this is why I am very pleased that the UK Plant Health Alliance steering group is working on a plant health assurance scheme. Working with the industry, the scheme will ensure that there is a secure supply where we cannot supply it ourselves, and that those plant materials are secure. Further, members of the public who want to enjoy their gardens will know that the plants they are buying are healthy. This is a work in progress, but a lot is going on.