HL Deb 12 January 1998 vol 584 cc130-1WA
Lord Onslow of Woking

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many incidents of pyrethroid pollution of watercourses in England, Scotland and Wales have been reported to the relevant department in the past 12 months.

Baroness Hayman

In 1997 there were 11 confirmed cases of pollution by synthetic pyrethroid sheepdips reported to the Environment Agency in England and Wales.

1997 data are not yet available for Scotland. However, in 1996 there were 13 incidents confirmed as due solely to synthetic pyrethroid sheepdips reported to the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.

The Government recognise that synthetic pyrethroids pose a particular threat to watercourses, and have reviewed the legislation regulating the disposal of sheepdip to controlled waters. As a result, the Government intend to consult in the near future on draft regulations designed to provide additional protection for groundwater.