§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will ban the use of lindane for the treatment of timber in buildings.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI am aware that there is concern that the use of lindane for the treatment of timber in buildings may be hazardous to bats which roost in roof spaces. Bats 399W are already protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Nature Conservancy Council is required under the Act to advise on proposed actions which may be hazardous to bats. I understand the NCC intends, in the near future, to present a review paper on lindane and bats to the expert committees that advise Ministers on pesticides. In the light of advice, my colleagues and I will consider whether it is necessary to impose further restrictions on the use of lindane.