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Written question asked by Mike Martin (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 13 January 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 January 2025. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 20 January 2025 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Wildlife: Rodenticides

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Rodenticide Stewardship Scheme in reducing wildlife exposure to rat poisons; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of taking further steps to combat criminal use of rat poisons to kill birds of prey.

Answer

The Rodenticides Stewardship Scheme was developed by The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use UK to promote responsible use and is overseen by the Government Oversight Group for Rodenticide Stewardship (GOG), chaired by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The GOG is conducting a review of rodenticide stewardship, under which it will consider all appropriate evidence. The detailed work of this review is expected to be completed in 2025.

Wildlife crime is a matter for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Welsh and Scottish Governments, and the Police. Bird of prey crime is identified by Defra as a national wildlife crime priority, and significant sanctions are available against proven perpetrators of the crime, including an unlimited fine and/or a six-month custodial sentence. HSE may also take action, where appropriate, in its role as a workplace health and safety regulator.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
23627
Session
2024-26
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Safety Wildlife Birds of prey Rodenticides
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk