Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, (1) to end the use of neonicotinoids as pesticides against ants, and fleas in pets, and (2) to promote the use of non-toxic alternatives.

Under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR), a number of neonicotinoid active substances were approved for use in Product Type 18 (Insecticides, acaricides and products to control other arthropods) following a review of their safety to people and the environment and of their efficacy. These active substances maintain their approved status under the retained GB BPR. Individual biocidal products containing approved active substances are also subject to assessments of their safety and efficacy before they are granted product authorisation. There are no current plans to restrict the use of neonicotinoid active substances under GB BPR.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has no plans to end the use of neonicotinoids as pesticides against fleas on pets. However, research has been commissioned to obtain a clearer understanding of environmental exposure pathways for these types of products and an independent committee is being established to determine reasonable management of risks to the environment associated with such uses. VMD is also aware that veterinary associations are promoting responsible use of these pesticides, and VMD supports them in that effort. VMD has a robust system in place to receive and record adverse reaction reports relating to these products in treated animals, humans and the environment and thereby review the terms of the Marketing Authorisations as necessary.