HC Deb 25 February 1997 vol 291 c195W
Sir Cranley Onslow

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action his Department has taken to alert users and manufacturers of warfarin-based rodenticides to the danger these products present to barn owls and other raptors. [17113]

Mrs. Browning

The Government work closely with manufacturers and trade associations to achieve an effective means of pest control while at the same time seeking to ensure the safety to wildlife. Promotion of the safe use of rodenticides, including those based on warfarin, is an on-going process and includes a campaign against illegal poisoning of wildlife, supported by industry and wildlife organisations and articles specifically on the safe use of rodenticides for trade journals and presentations to industry.

The statutory labelling requirements for all rodenticides make clear to users the means by which secondary risks posed by rodenticide products must be minimised. Guidance to users on the protection of wildlife is also contained in the code of practice for the safe use of pesticides on farms and holdings.