§ 33. Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has yet received the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Poisonous Substances used in Agriculture and Food Storage following its consideration of the case of the woman who died after drinking water contaminated by an arsenical potato spray mixture; and what steps he proposes to take in consequence thereof.
§ Mr. John HareI have received the Advisory Committee's recommendations and, as I told the hon. Member on 2nd November, these are being discussed with the agricultural and chemical industries. I hope to make a statement very soon.
§ Mr. JannerWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to make a statement within, say, the next week? This is a matter of very considerable urgency, and I ask him to deal with it as an urgent matter.
§ Mr. HareI have already informed the hon. Gentleman that I am dealing with this as urgently as possible. I can assure him that I will make a statement as soon as I reasonably can.
§ Mr. WilleyDoes the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that not only is there anxiety here in this and other cases, but nigh to panic in the United States? Will he ensure that we devote sufficient resources to research into the use of these substances, and see that that research is not held up by vested interests?
§ Mr. HareI am very sure that the hon. Gentleman would be the last to try to spread panic in this country. I assure him that I am considering this matter, and will make a statement as soon as possible.