Central Science Laboratory, MAFF, Sand Hutton, York YO4 1LZ Tel: +44-1904 462 000, Fax: +44-1904 462 111. Email: D.Stead@csl.gov.uk

The National Collection of Plant Pathogenic Bacteria (NCPPB) is a special laboratory within the Agriculture and Environment Directorate, Plant Health of The Central Science Laboratory (CSL). The primary role of the CSL is to deliver high quality scientific advice, technical support and enforcement activities underpinned by appropriate research and development to enable departmental customers to meet MAFF aims. The services are also provided to other Government departments and to other public and private sector organisations on a commercial basis. The CSL is an associated institute of the Universities of York and Leeds and has links with the University of East Anglia. The collection exists primarily to maintain cultures of the world's bacterial plant pathogens for use by research, educational establishments and by industry.