Current status: Answered by Ross Finnie on 1 February 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive how it can ensure that local authorities enforce the Weeds Act 1959 with regard to ragwort.
The Weeds Act 1959 does not confer any powers on local authorities to act in relation to ragwort. The Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department investigates all written complaints received about the presence of ragwort on land. The act places responsibility for control of certain weeds, including ragwort, on the occupier of the land and in the first instance, where livestock may be at risk, the Executive will advise the occupier to carry out control measures. Where necessary and as a last resort, powers are available under the act to give occupiers of land formal written notice requiring them to take action.