§ Earl Peelasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Whitty on 11 October (WA 42 ), what steps they will take to ensure that the anti-coagulant poison, warfarin, will be categorised within Annexe One of the European Union Plant Protection Directive.[HL470]
§ Lord WhittyThis use of warfarin is being reviewed under the European Union Plant Protection Product Directive (Directive 91/414/EEC). A draft review report has been prepared by Ireland, which is the rapporteur member state. The European Commission is deliberating whether to propose the inclusion or non-inclusion of warfarin in Annex I.
We have written to the Commission describing the way that warfarin is used in UK forestry and the measures that are taken to protect workers and wildlife. In meetings with the Commission and other member states we have made clear our view that warfarin can be used safely to control grey squirrels in woodlands and that we believe it should be included in Annex I.