§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has concerning the use of Gramoxone; whether his Department is aware of any impact of this product on the population of the brown hare; if he is conducting any relevant research; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanThe use of Gramoxone (active ingredient paraquat) is monitored regularly as part of the rolling survey of pesticide usage carried out by Agriculture Departments, the results of which are published. It has been alleged to cause mortality in brown hares but exhaustive tests carried out by MAFF scientists have failed to establish any link. Another possibility is a virus disease, similar to one found in rabbits, which has been detected in several European countries. To pinpoint the real cause farmers have been asked to report all suspicious deaths of brown hares. Their carcases will be checked for viral symptoms in addition to the normal tests for pesticides.