§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department is funding concerning the toxicity of pesticides approved for slug control on(a) hedgehogs and other wild mammals, (b) birds and (c) amphibians.
§ Mr. MacGregorBefore pesticides are approved their effects must be researched by manufacturing companies and data submitted in support of the application. These are evaluated by independent experts before any approvals for use are granted by Ministers. Research conducted by my own Department at Boxworth is aimed at comparing the relative effects on wildlife of broadcasting and of drilling slug pellets. My Department also operates a scheme for investigating suspected wildlife poisonings and slug control products are occasionally implicated in these.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those pesticides approved for use by his Department for slug control known to be toxic to(a) hedgehogs and other wild mammals, (b) birds and (c) amphibians.
§ Mr. MacGregorAll slug control pesticides have been assessed for environmental and wildlife hazards and the labels of approved products carry the relevant precautions to avoid harmful effects to birds and animals.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those pesticides approved by his Department for the destruction of slugs.
§ Mr. MacGregorFour active ingredients are approved for slug control: aluminium compounds; copper compounds; methaldehyde and methiocarb. Products containing these are listed in HMSO reference book "Pesticides 1988."