Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what definition of tree his Department uses in relation to biosecurity. [170718]

George Eustice, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Natural Environment, Water and Rural Affairs: In relation to biosecurity, the definition of a tree is cast as wide as possible in order to avoid creating loopholes and gaps. The aim is to identify, assess and respond to threats to trees whatever their size and setting—forests, amenity sites (eg parks and gardens), street trees, orchards, private gardens, trees along motorways and rail lines and in trade networks, including nurseries.

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