§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to monitor the incidence of(a) rodenticide levels in higher food-chain wildlife and (b) resistance in rats to rodenticides; and if he will make a statement. [106661]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 25 January 2000]: The Wildlife Incidents Investigation Scheme collects reports of wildlife deaths that may have been caused by rodenticides or other pesticides. All incidents accepted into the Scheme are investigated and the pesticide involved, if any, identified. The results of investigations may be used in a review of the pesticide approval and in enforcement action. In 1998, 49 cases were found to involve anticoagulant rodenticides.
The Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions' latest English House Condition Survey, published on 5 January, showed generally low levels of rodent infestation. Separate work carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on levels of resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides in rats on farms showed that there is not a general problem.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food also carries out research to identify issues affecting the development and spread of resistance and the risk to non-target wildlife species arising from the use of rodenticides.