Tackling Japanese Knotweed

Mike Hedges

2. A wnaiff y Gweinidog ddatganiad am ymdrechion i fynd i'r afael â chlymog Japan? OAQ(5)0056(ERA)

2. Will the Minister make a statement on efforts to tackle Japanese knotweed? OAQ(5)0056(ERA)

Lesley Griffiths

Thank you. I’m taking forward a number of initiatives designed to tackle this invasive species. These include the continuation of biocontrol trials to establish a non-native psyllid and the development of a fungus-based herbicide designed specifically to control this plant.

Janet Finch-Saunders

I thank the Member for asking the question, actually. Japanese knotweed is estimated to cost £165 million to the UK economy each year, and the Residential Landlord Association has warned that it can have such a detrimental effect on the value of property it can render it worthless. The previous Minister did say that a natural predator had been found that will help in the control of Japanese knotweed and was being trialled in Swansea. I ask the Minister—the Cabinet Secretary—can you provide an update on the roll-out: how successful it’s been and whether you do have any intention to use a special control order in the future to tackle this issue?

Lesley Griffiths

This is something that I am monitoring and, as I said, we are continuing to fund the trials. We’ve just funded phase 2 this year of the biocontrol trials, so I think we need to evaluate that before making any decisions on the way forward.