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11 Mar 2003 : Column 144W—continued
Oil Pollution
Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many incidences (a) have been recorded and (b) have resulted in fines and prosecutions relating to releases of oil from refineries caused by flushing processes in each year since 1997; how much each fine was; and what the estimated cost was of clearing up such incidences. [99278]
Mr. Meacher: No incidents relating to releases of oil from refineries caused by flushing processes were recorded by the Environment Agency in either 2001 or 2002.
Information on such incidents before 2001 is not readily available although the Environment Agency is not aware of any between 1997 and 2001.
Perchloroethylene
Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what incidences of (a) water and (b) air pollution resulting from businesses which use perchloroethylene in their day to day operations there have been in each year since 1997; and how many led to (i) fines and (ii) prosecutions, including the amount of fines levied. [99268]
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Mr. Meacher: Environment Agency data shows that there have been 10 incidents of water and air pollution since 1997 involving perchloroethylene. The Agency's database is only accurate from 2001.
All of the recorded incidents were of a minor nature, although one did attract enforcement action of a "site warning nature". None attracted fines or legal action.
Pest Designations
Mr. Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to de-designate (a) starlings and (b) house sparrows as pests. [99617]
Mr. Morley: Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 all birds are protected. There is no legal definition of wild birds as pests. However, under Section 16 of the 1981 Act general licences are issued that allow the killing or taking of certain birds for the purposes of public health and air safety, conservation of wild birds and to prevent serious damage to crops. Both the starling and house sparrow are currently listed on some of these licences. Research conducted on behalf of my Department last year into the declines of both these species showed that control under the general licences has an insignificant effect upon their conservation status and their population numbers.
All general licences are reviewed annually and re-issued only after seeking the advice of our statutory advisor, English Nature. Officials are currently examining all the general licences, including those for killing or taking of certain birds, and will be discussing with stakeholders any relevant improvements.
Pesticides
Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list pesticides whose use in the UK has been rescinded in each of the last 10 years. [101271]
Mr. Morley: All the pesticides containing the active substances listed in the table have had their use rescinded over the last 10 years within the UK.
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Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list pesticides whose use in the EU has been rescinded in each of the last 10 years; and what their current status is in the UK. [101272]
Mr. Morley: Since 1993 there has been a European wide review programme to ensure that all active substances used in plant protection products meet modern human and environmental protection standards. To date decisions have been taken to withdraw 22 pesticides. These are listed as follows along with their status within the UK.
| Active | Year approvals rescinded | Current status in UK |
|---|---|---|
| Acephate | 2004 | Not approved |
| Azinphos-ethyl | 1996 | Not approved |
| Benomyl | 2003 | Not approved |
| Chlozolinate | 2002 | Not approved |
| Cyhalothrin | 1995 | Not approved |
| Dinoterb | 1998 | Not approved |
| DNOC | 2000 | Not approved |
| Fentin acetate | 2002 | Not approved |
| Fentin hydroxide | 2002 | Not approved |
| Fenvalerate | 1999 | Not approved |
| Ferbam | 1996 | Not approved |
| Lindane | 2002 | Not approved |
| Metalaxyl | 2004 | Still approved |
| Monolinuron | 2001 | Not approved |
| Parathion-ethyl | 2003 | Not approved |
| Parathion-methyl | 2004 | Not approved |
| Permethrin | 2003 | Still approved until end 2003 |
| Propham | 1997 | Not approved |
| Pyrazophos | 2001 | Not approved |
| Quintozene | 2002 | Not approved |
| Tecnazene | 2003 | Not approved |
| Zineb | 2003 | Not approved |
The EU review programme will result in many substances being withdrawn for commercial as well as safety reasons. By the end of 2003, about 50 per cent. of the 850 substances currently used in agricultural pesticides throughout the EU will have been withdrawn because companies did not support them. The review of the outstanding supported compounds are due to be completed by 2008.
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