§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if safe and effective non-toxic shotgun cartridges are available for use over wetland sites; what assessment he has made of the extent to which the voluntary phase-out of lead gunshot in wetlands is being adhered to; and if he will make a statement. [38794]
§ Mr. ClappisonA number of non-toxic alternatives to lead shot are available, many of which have been tested at a ballistic testing facility partly funded by this Department. The Department is currently funding two relevant research projects, one aimed at assessing the sales of non-toxic shot and the other to monitor the levels of lead ingestion in waterfowl.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps are being taken to provide shotgun licence holders, with special reference to wildfowlers, with guidance on the safety and efficacy of non-toxic gunshot before the next wildfowling season. [38792]
§ Mr. ClappisonGuidelines on the use of non-toxic shot in 12 bore shotguns are currently being prepared.