asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he intends to take to prevent diseased elm logs being moved from infected areas to other parts of Great Britain where Dutch elm disease is not widespread.

Although a workable compulsory scheme would pose considerable difficulties of enforcement, my right hon. Friend is considering seeking powers under the Plant Health Act 1967 to limit or prohibit the movement of diseased logs from one area to another.

I am grateful for that reply. As the Forestry Commission, the Association of Tree Surgeons, the Arboricultural Association and plant pathologists all agree that Dutch elm disease is being spread northwards by the movement of diseased elm logs, will my hon. Friend also consider insisting immediately that diseased logs are treated before movement? Surely that would be the best way of stopping the spread?

That is precisely the power that my right hon. Friend is considering seeking, but I warn my hon. Friend that it will not be easy to monitor it, nor to be certain that every load of logs has either had the bark stripped or been sprayed with an insecticide.