HC Deb 03 July 1958 vol 590 cc1574-5
37. Colonel Beamish

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as representing the Lord President of the Council, to what extent a study has been made of reports of the effects upon wild life of chemicals used in agriculture in other countries, particularly in the United States of America and Germany, as made available to him by the technical agencies of the United Nations; and whether he will now begin field trials with substances which may be harmful to wild birds and mammals and give an assurance that longer term research is being carried out.

Mr. Godber

Reports of the effects upon wild life of chemicals used in agriculture in other countries are studied as they become available from any quarter. The Nature Conservancy is not aware of any up to date evidence from this country to prove that such chemicals are causing any important or widespread reduction in bird or mammal populations. Should any evidence be available, it would be glad to receive any properly documented cases. Pending such evidence, it has not been found possible to allocate scientific manpower for further research on this problem.

Colonel Beamish

That is a very disappointing reply. Does my hon. Friend not realise that there is considerable evidence to show that many thousands of wild birds are being killed every year as a result of the use of toxic chemicals in agriculture? If I send him any evidence I can lay my hands on, will he look at the matter again and reconsider his view?

Mr. Godber

I should welcome any evidence my hon. and gallant Friend cares to send me. We are most anxious always to safeguard the position in this respect, but, as yet, we have not the sort of evidence to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

Sir G. Nicholson

Will my hon. Friend assure me that his Department does not ignore the damage caused to insect life, not only to what might be termed semi-tame insects such as bees, but also to the wide range of insect life which is extremely beneficial to agriculture and horticulture, to which great damage is being done?

Mr. Godber

That is another important aspect, I entirely agree, and we have not lost sight of it.

38. Colonel Tufton Beamish

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what chemicals used in agriculture are regarded as likely to be harmful to wild birds and mammals; what research there has been into this question since the Third Report of the Zuckerman Working Party on Toxic Chemicals in Agriculture (Risks to Wild Life); whether these have included field studies and fundamental research; and on what scale and at what cost.

Mr. Godber

The Interdepartmental Advisory Committee on Poisonous Substances used in Agriculture and Food Storage keeps a general oversight regarding chemicals used in agriculture which may prove harmful to wild birds and mammals. The Committee have to be satisfied on these matters so far as reasonably possible before making recommendations to ensure the safety in use of chemical products. Relevant information is provided by manufacturers at the request of the Committee. Owing to lack of funds and of scientific manpower it has not, however, proved possible to undertake field trials or fundamental research on the subject since the Zuckerman Working Party reported.

Colonel Beamish

Surely field studies which might produce a very valuable result could be carried out at very small cost. May I press my hon. Friend to take this matter seriously and think about it again?

Mr. Godber

I will naturally take note of what my hon. and gallant Friend says with regard to this matter. Of course, the Zuckerman Committee did look into these matters fully, but I shall be very happy to look at any further evidence my hon. and gallant Friend can send me with regard to these matters.