§ Lord Hardy of Wathasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will issue notice or consider taking appropriate action to prevent or to discourage the careless use of slug pellets. [HL4728]
§ Lord WhittySlug pellets, like all pesticides, are approved taking into account their impact on people and the environment and all give guidance to users on how to minimise the risk from using them. Provided these products are used in accordance with their statutory conditions of approval there should be minimal risk to people, non-target animals and the wider environment.
All approved pesticide products are subject to routine review but may be reviewed at any time if specific concerns emerge concerning their safety. If appropriate, an approval can be restricted or revoked entirely. Where there is clear evidence of careless use, court action can be, and has been, taken.
101WAMetaldehyde, an active substance used in some slug pellets, was reviewed in 1996 and as a result additional conditions and restrictions on use were imposed so as to further improve the safety of these products in use. Methiocarb, the other principle active substance used in slug pellets, is presently being reviewed as part of the UK's review of anticholinesterase pesticides.