§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on 12 November (WA 59) whether they take the view that the risk from pellets and treated slugs to British birds, and to the song thrush in particular, is significant; and, if so, on what research evidence this view is based. [HL1391]
§ Lord WhittyIt is the Government's policy that pesticides should not harm people or the environment. All pesticides are subject to strict regulatory control and Ministers must approve a product before it may be marketed or used.
Approvals for slug pellets follow the advice of the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) that, provided they are used in accordance with strict statutory conditions, slug pellets do not present an unacceptable risk to British birds. The ACP's advice is based on the critical evaluation of scientific data submitted by companies seeking to support the use of these pesticides and including research on effects on the environment and non-target species (including birds).