42. Mr. B. Harrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the damage being caused to horticultural crops by spray drift; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. AmoryI am not aware that damage from spray drift is widespread, but it may be serious in individual cases. The British Weed Control Council, on which all the interests concerned are represented, has made recommendations for the avoidance of damage and the need for care in spraying is being emphasised by my advisory officers.
Mr. HarrisonIs my right hon. Friend aware of the excellent exhibit put on by his Department at the Essex show, showing the damage that can be done to horticultural products by spray drift? Is he aware that it is becoming a very severe problem in parts of Essex? Would he consider making it compulsory for persons using sprays to hold third party insurance so that anyone who suffers damage because of spraying can claim damages against them?
Mr. AmoryI was not myself, unfortunately, able to visit the Essex show and so I did not see the exhibit to which my hon. Friend refers, but I am glad to know that it was a good one. Apart from shows, farm walks, and demonstrations, the National Horticultural Advisory Service is doing what it can to point out sensible precautions that ought to be taken. As to my hon. Friend's last suggestion, I will consider that.