§ 35. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further action he proposes to take to ensure the safer use of insecticides.
§ Mr. John HareThe existing arrangements whereby all insecticides that may present a toxic hazard are examined by 1216 the Advisory Committee on Poisonous Substances used in Agriculture and Food Storage, together with the measures recently announced, should provide adequate protection.
§ Mr. WilleyIn view of one or two cases which have been given publicity recently, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that he ought to exercise the present powers a little more widely, and that there is a case for the extended use of those powers without waiting for a further report?
§ Mr. HareAs the hon. Gentleman knows, I have taken action on these arsenic haulm destroyers. I have announced the setting up of a special research body together with my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister for Science and other Ministers. We are expecting a report from that body. The matter is being carefully considered.