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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her policy is on the use of warfarin in controlling grey squirrel numbers.

Warfarin was until recently approved for use in plant protection products against grey squirrels. That approval expired on 31 March 2014, although if purchased before that date it may be used until 30 September 2015. A new application for approval may be submitted at any time. Defra would like people to have the tools that they need to control grey squirrels. However, it is a commercial decision for the company that manufactures the product whether to apply for approval. Warfarin remains approved for indoor use in biocidal products for control of grey squirrels which may find their way into property and cause a nuisance.