Renardine 72–2

HC Deb 27 October 2003 vol 412 cc32-3WS

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on licensing Renodene for use as a badger deterrent. [132668]

Margaret Beckett

It is assumed that the question refers to the pesticide product, Renardine 72–2. This can be used as a badger deterrent in two circumstances:

1. (a) badgers and their setts are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992, which makes it illegal to interfere with a sett. Deterring badgers from using a sett would constitute 33W interference. However, there is provision in the legislation to allow the use of a deterrent such as Renardine 72–2 under a licence from my Department; and
2. (b) Renardine 72–2 is also specifically approved under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (as amended) for use as a badger deterrent where there is no interference with a sett.