§ Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will now ban altogether the sale of strychnine for pest control in view of the availability of less cruel alternatives and the misuse of this poison for unlawful purposes.
Earl FERRERSStrychnine may not be retailed in Great Britain except for mole control—for which in most cases it is the sole viable method not posing a threat for non-target species—and to persons specifically authorised for the purpose by the agricultural departments. Those using the substance against any other species expose themselves to prosecution under the relevant legislation, and the maximum penalties which apply have lately been increased. In Northern Ireland, where strychnine may only be used for fox control, there are equivalent provisions. The Government are satisfied that further restriction would not be justified.