HC Deb 26 November 1992 vol 214 cc827-8W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the role of the wildlife incident investigation scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

Under the wildlife incident investigation scheme, inquiries are made into reports of suspected poisoning by pesticides that involve vertebrate wildlife, chiefly birds and mammals, companion animals and honeybees. The results are used in reviews of the conditions of approval of pesticide products. Evidence of misuse or abuse may also contribute to prosecutions or other enforcement action.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was (i) the total cost, adjusted to 1992 prices of the wildlife incident investigation scheme for England and Wales and (ii) the proportion of the total cost contributed by the agrochemical industry levy, in each of the last five years.

Mr. Soames

The costs of the wildlife incident investigation scheme in England and Wales chargeable to the agrochemical levy adjusted to 1992 prices are as follows:

£
19881 630,000
19891 465,000
1990–91 (15 months) 744,000
1991–92 815,000
1992–93 (F) 770,000
1Includes figures for Scotland.

Other costs associated with the wildlife incident investigation scheme are borne by departments, but except for 1992–93, at £374,000, are not readily identifiable.