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Written question asked by Andy Slaughter (Labour) on Friday, 15 July 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 July 2016 (named day). It was answered by George Eustice (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 July 2016 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Nature Conservation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to protect (a) bees, (b) moths and (c) other animals from (i) habitat loss and (ii) toxic neonicotinoid pesticides.

Answer

Our National Pollinator Strategy highlights the vital contribution we can all make to support pollinators by ensuring they have suitable food and habitats.

The Strategy includes actions to improve the status of our insect pollinators, of which there are 1500 species in the UK. Many of the actions aim to reverse the loss of flower-rich habitat, one of the biggest sources of pollinator decline in England. Habitat creation actions in the Strategy also benefit other animals, including birds and bats.

All pesticides, including neonicotinoids, are strictly regulated and are only authorised if scientific assessment finds that their use is not expected to have harmful effects on human health or to have unacceptable effects on the environment.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
42929
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Environment protection Nature conservation Pesticides Bees Neonicotinoids Moths
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk