91999E0155

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0155/99

by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission

(11 February 1999)

Subject: Red squirrels and Warfarin

Can the Commission indicate whether it has any intention of banning the use of the substance marketed as "Warfarin"? This has proved to be one of the most effective instruments in reducing the number of grey squirrels within the United Kingdom and may therefore prove to be a useful means of conserving the dwindling red squirrel population. As there may well be no satisfactory poison of a similar potency available, a ban would have serious consequences.

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(16 March 1999)

As pesticide used to protect plants and plant products, the active substance warfarin is currently under evaluation as an active substance used in rodenticides in the framework of Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing on the market of plant protection products(1).

One of the uses for which warfarin is authorised is to control the grey squirrel population in order to protect trees. This use aspect has been taken into account during the evaluation and decision making on warfarin. A final decision is expected before summer 1999.

(1) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991.