§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of developments in biological control methods of nematodes to kill slugs.
§ Mr. MacleanNo formal assessment of the proposed use of indigenous nematodes to kill slugs has been made. Their use in biological control is not covered by the Control of Pesticides Regulations (1986). The release of non-indigenous species for this purpose would be controlled by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
My Department is considering with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and other Departments whether there is a need for additional controls in this area.