HC Deb 01 May 2003 vol 404 cc473-4W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the wild animal poison known as T3327 is species specific; and what assessment(a) she and (b) the Central Science Laboratory has made of the impact of it being consumed by (i) other wild mammals, (ii) escaped domestic mammals and (iii) wild birds. [108140]

Mr. Morley

T3327 is a shorthand code name for a carbamate and as such is not species specific, but is toxic to all animals. The trial site was carefully chosen and fully licensed under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (as amended) and by other relevant bodies (note see replies to PQs 1608 and 1609). The Advisory Committee on Pesticides, made an assessment of the potential impact of the poison. The Central Science Laboratory, as the holder of the Experimental Permit and data owner, has agreed to copies of the environmental assessments being placed in the Westminster parliamentary Library. During the field trial in 2002 there was no effect on other wild mammals (other than badgers), domestic mammals or wild birds. The baits are buried to reduce the chances of being found by domestic livestock and wild birds. A full report of the trial will be published in due course.