§ Sir Hugh RossiTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if his Department has conducted any research into the development of environmentally less damaging alternatives to lead shot;
(2) what representations he has received concerning the effects of lead shot on the environment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryHon. Members have raised questions in this House or have written to my right hon. Friend about the effects of lead shot on the environment. Conservation bodies have also drawn attention to lead shot poisoning of waterfowl.
My Department has not itself conducted research in this specific area but officials met recently with interested bodies to discuss the introduction of non-toxic alternatives to lead gunshot in wetland areas. A working group was established to develop proposals for a programme for introducing non-toxic shot.