 | Home |
| What's New |
| Speeches & Articles |
| Newsletter - Apr 2012 |
| Biography |
| Diary |
| Contact Information |
| Photo Album |
| Parliamentary Highlights |
| Publications |
| Links |
| MEPs' Transparency |
 Visit the Freedom Association website |
 |
|
Tories block "damaging" pest-control ban
Thursday, 19th January 2012 Pressure from Conservative MEPs has averted EU plans to ban Britain's most commonly-used rat poison from general use. Earlier clauses in draft legislation on pest-control materials called biocides could have banned farmers and other property-owners from using Difenacoum, a widely-used rodenticide in the UK. The British pest-control industry feared that amendments tabled by Greens and Socialists in the European Parliament would potentially ban them from using one of their most effective weapons against rat and mouse infestations. East Midlands MEP Roger Helmer said the potential threats to the pest-control trade had been effectively negated. "I believed the industry's concerns have been effectively addressed . The legislation as it now stands allows them the flexibility they need. "This draft regulation on biocides is not perfect, but it is a perfect example of a European compromise and we are absolutely confident that Difenacoum will remain available for use in Britain and across Europe. "The Greens' main objection was that the substance could be harmful. Well of course any poison is by definition harmful. What matters is how carefully it is used - but the Green and Socialist proposals for an effective ban were excessive, damaging and potentially another unwarranted piece of European interference. "The draft regulation emphasises the introduction of an EU-wide authorisation procedure which will operate alongside national approval procedures for biocidal products with 'similar conditions of use' "I welcome the introduction of the concept of 'low risk' products with a simplified procedure. "Balancing environmental protection and promoting the single market is always a regulatory challenge. I think this negotiated proposal has moved us some way forward." |