Animal Deaths (Dieldrin)

HC Deb 14 July 1978 vol 953 cc835-6W

Mr. Stainton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent incidents there have been of animal deaths due to the use of timber treated

into the United Kingdom from Comecon countries in 1967, 1972 and in the latest convenient year; and what percentage this represents of the total domestic United Kingdom market for tractor tyres, lorry tyres and car replacement tyres, respectively, in each of those years.

Mr. Meacher

The number of tyres imported into the United Kingdom from COMECON countries was:

replacement tyres accounted for by imports from the COMECON countries were:

with dieldrin in the animal feed and sawdust industries; and if he will forthwith take steps to stop the use of this chemical pending the definition of code of practice and compensation provisions.

Mr. John Silkin

Two incidents of this kind have been reported to my Department this year involving poultry in Norfolk. Losses of about 2,140 birds—out of a total of 9,000—were attributed to the use of litter treated with dieldrin. Controls on and codes of practice relating to the industrial uses of pesticides are a matter for the Health and Safety Executive.