Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance her Department has issued on the effective control of bracken in upland areas. [91791]

Richard Benyon MP; Minister of State: Natural England, the Government's adviser on the natural environment, publishes guidance on the control of bracken, on DEFRA's behalf, which is available on Natural England's website and via its Wildlife Licensing Unit. The published guidance offers general advice on the control of bracken and also contains specific reference to its control in upland areas.

The Government are concerned about the EU decision not to approve asulam, as this is an important method of controlling bracken in upland areas. The Health and Safety Executive's Chemicals Regulation Directorate is in discussion with the manufacturer regarding a new submission to support EU approval of asulam.