§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what controls are in place to regulate the use of rodenticides; and if he will make a statement. [106655]
481W
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 25 January 2000]All pesticides, including rodenticides, are subject to strict statutory control. Anyone wishing to gain an approval for a rodenticide is required to submit a substantial data package for rigorous assessment by the departments responsible for pesticides. Advice is also sought from the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides on any application for a new use of an approved rodenticide where significant new issues arise as well as on any new rodenticide compounds. Only if, on the basis of these assessments, Ministers are content that there are no unacceptable risks to people or the environment will the rodenticide be approved. All approved rodenticides and their uses are subject to review and, if appropriate, approvals can be restricted or revoked entirely.