7. Will the First Minister make a statement on efforts to tackle the problems caused by Japanese knotweed? OAQ52298

We do work with partner organisations and the public to tackle the threats of invasive non-native species in Wales. I recognise that Japanese knotweed is a significant problem. We have actively funded innovative trials. Two things: first of all, chemical treatments, but secondly, bio control, through using a natural psyllid predator. Of course, you have to be careful doing that in case you introduce an even greater problem, as the Australians will tell you, with some of the things that they've done—with sugar cane, particularly. But nevertheless, those trials are ones that we have funded in order to get to grips with the problem.

Can I thank the First Minister for that response? Knotweed is a serious problem in Swansea, especially in my constituency, but I'm sure Julie James could tell you exactly the same for Swansea West as well. Whilst the experiment with a natural predator and improved chemical treatments are to be welcomed, we have areas of green wedge where knotweed has become a problem. Has the Welsh Government got any plans of stopping green-wedge land becoming fully infested by knotweed, so instead of being a green belt, it'll be a knotweed belt?

Well, ultimately, of course, it's up to the landowner to control Japanese knotweed on their land. I can say that we recently awarded £50,000 to five councils via the green infrastructure funding scheme to undertake a project to combat invasive non-native plant species at over 1,000 sites throughout those five counties. It will also train community volunteers to help to control those plants, and we did recently publish an updated information sheet aimed at community and voluntary groups, with advice on action on land they manage.

They say that only certain things will survive a nuclear holocaust in this country: one being E. coli, the second being cockroaches, and the third—the certainty that this question will keep coming up on the order paper in this place.

You may have heard recently that there have been some ideas that perhaps we should eat more of this Japanese knotweed as it's full of vitamins and minerals. We can't eat our way out of this problem, obviously, so my main question to you is: have you had any information from local authorities that there has been any illegal dumping of Japanese knotweed in our landfill sites?

Not that I'm aware of, but I'm sure that there are examples of it. I have not—. That is a bio-control method I've not heard proposed before. I wasn't aware that Japanese knotweed was, in fact, edible. I suppose I should add the caveat, if anybody's watching this: do not try this at home until it's been fully tested. The leader of the house tells me it's quite horrible; I won't ask her whether that's personal experience or not, but it's not a recommendation from her. Edible but horrible—[Laughter.]—that is the Government line on the consumption of Japanese knotweed. 

There's an important point here: knotweed is an incredibly invasive species—easy to move around—and, of course, it's hugely important that there are new ways sought to control it, but also, of course, that any kind of illegality regarding its dumping is dealt with as quickly as possible.

It's a well recognised fact that Japanese knotweed is one of the most pernicious plants ever to be introduced to the British isles. I understand that local councillors have a duty to control knotweed infestations. As these infestations can blight private houses, it is essential that these controls are in place, and yet even a cursory observation of mostly urban areas show that control measures seem not to be being applied. Would the First Minister consider reissuing guidance, and perhaps a reminder to local councils, of their duty in this regard?

Well, I think I made reference just a little earlier to the guidance that we have recently provided—updated guidance—in the answer I gave to the Member for Swansea East. That's aimed at community and voluntary groups, and that advises them on action that they can take. And local authorities, of course, will be aware of any statutory responsibilities that they have.