17. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research has been undertaken by his Department into the effectiveness of pyrethrum as a pesticide.
Mr. VaneFundamental research of this type is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Science Research into the insecticidal and chemical properties of pyrethrum has been in progress for many years at Rothamsted Experimental Station and the Pest Infestation Laboratory of the Agricultural Research Council and recently, also, at the Tropical Products Institute of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. This Ministry is being kept in close touch with all this work.
Mrs. ButlerDoes the Minister realise that pyrethrum is acknowledged by all authorities to be one of the most effective pesticides known? Is he aware that his replies to my Question of 6th November were widely reported and may do great harm to the pyrethrum industry which is one of the cornerstones of Kenya's economic policy, a country which we are all very anxious to help at the present time? Is the Minister aware that it has the additional virtue of being an insecticide which is completely harmless to warm-blooded animals? Will he say something to remedy the effect of his remarks on 6th November?
Mr. VaneI do not think that the remarks I made on the previous occasion need have done any harm at all, because every one knows that pyrethrum is a potent insecticide with a rapid paralysing action and highly toxic to a wide range of insects. It also is of low mammalian 619 toxicity and is safe to use on foodstuffs and in the house. One of the difficulties is that it is not as persistent as some other insecticides, and therefore it can be at a disadvantage in that regard for certain uses.