HC Deb 27 January 2004 vol 417 cc255-6W
Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the permitted methods are for killing(a) moles and (b) rabbits in their runs and burrows. [150574]

Mr. Bradshaw

The information requested is as follows.

(a) Moles

The permitted methods typically used to kill moles in their runs are: Poisoning using worm baits impregnated with strychnine hydrochloride. This can only be used under a specific authority obtained from Defra. Poisoning with an approved fumigant (aluminium phosphide) Trapping. There are there are two main types in common use, the scissor (pincer) trap or metal half-barrel trap (Duffus).

Certain other methods are permitted (for example shooting and live capture traps), but these are not widely used in the UK. Further details and advice on the range of available options for managing mole problems are given in the Defra leaflet WM03 "Moles" which is available online at: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/ vertebrates/leaflets. htm.

Guidance on how to apply for permission to use strychnine hydrochloride for mole control is available online at: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/ vertebrates/mole.htm.

(b) Rabbits

The permitted methods typically used for killing rabbits in their burrows are: Poisoning with an approved fumigant (aluminium phosphide or hydrogen cyanide) Trapping. Traps currently approved by the Spring Traps Approval Order 1995 are the Imbra Trap Mark I and Mark II, Juby Trap, Fenn Rabbit Trap Mark I, Fenn Vermin Trap Mark VI (Multi Purpose), Springer Mark VI (Dual Purpose), Victor Conibear 120–2 and the BMI Magnum 116.

Further details and advice on the range of available options for managing rabbit problems are given in the following Defra leaflets WMO1, WM16 and WM17 and in Forestry Commission leaflet FCPN002, which are available online at: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlifecountryside/vertebrates/leaflets.htm.

A full list of approved traps and the relevant conditions of use can be found online at: www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/vertebrates/approved-traps.htm

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