Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had, or intend to have, with Kew Gardens concerning making available from their plant library those species which have suffered serious loss or destruction in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla.

Following the devastating impact of this year’s hurricane season on our Caribbean Overseas Territories, addressing the affected Territories’ immediate humanitarian and security needs is the highest priority for Her Majesty’s Government.

Defra has had preliminary discussions with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew about the Territories’ likely environmental recovery needs.

Once the Territories are in a position to evaluate and address their environmental recovery needs, Defra will discuss with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Territories how Kew’s plant materials, technical assistance and scientific expertise can contribute to the restoration of habitats in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.