RAGWORT POISONING

Early day motion 88, tabled 13 November 2002 by John Hayes (Conservative). Signed by 76 members.

That this House is concerned that 500 horses died from liver damage due to ragwort poisoning in 2001 and that 1000 deaths are predicted in 2002; is also concerned that the toxin in ragwort is poisonous to cattle and sheep as well as humans, so humans may, unwittingly ingest the toxin; notes that under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, landlords are legally obliged to remove ragwort from their land; and calls on the Government to become proactive in preventing the irresponsible spread of ragwort.

Signatures by party: Conservative 49, Labour 15, Liberal Democrat 7, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 2, Independent Conservative 1.