Toxic Chemicals (Hansard, 1 June 1961)

§ 2. Sir Richard Glyn
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the pace at which investigations are being con ducted as to the possibility of danger arising from the use of toxic chemicals for agricultural purposes; when he now expects the report of the study group to be completed; and if he will make a further statement.

§ Mr. Soames
Much research is being done into the effects of toxic chemicals on human and animal life and on crops. Before any chemical is cleared for use in agriculture, thorough investigations are carried out on it. The Research Study Group was set up to see what further research may be necessary into the effects of these chemicals. Its report is expected this summer.

§ Sir Richard Glyn
Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a matter of great public concern and that farmers, seed merchants and all concerned are anxious to know which, if any, of the seed dressings in use are dangerous? Is he also aware that analysts have identified substantial quantities of dangerous chemicals in the flesh of game birds found dead and considerable quantities in game birds found alive but stupefied and which could possibly be used for human consumption? Is my right hon. Friend still further aware that great quantities of seed will be dressed in the near future for sowing this autumn, and will he see that the matter is treated as one of extreme urgency?

§ Mr. Soames
I am well aware of the concern which is felt, and I share it very much myself. I am hoping that this report will be forthcoming soon—it will certainly be forthcoming this summer—and before that we shall, of course, be getting the report of the survey on the question of birds to which my hon. Friend referred and which comes up in the next Question.

3. Mrs. Butler
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he is at present undertaking into the desirability or otherwise of using dieldrin, aldrin and heptachlor in dressings for spring-grown grain; and what restrictions he intends to put upon the use of these chemicals in agriculture.

§ 5. Mr. Parker
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the continuing disquiet at the increasing destruction of wild bird life as a result of the use of poisonous seed dressings and toxic sprays; and whether he will take urgent action to deal with the problem before the autumn planting.

§ Mr. Soames
I share the concern felt about the reported casualties to wild life from certain seed dressings. Research work has established the value of dieldrin, aldrin and heptachlor in the control of serious insect pests such as wireworm and wheat bulb-fly. Present research is directed at studying their effects on wild life and their long-term effects on the general soil fauna. A nation-wide survey is being carried out this spring of reported cases of unusual deaths among birds. Decisions on whether restrictions are necessary on the use of these chemicals will be taken when the results of the survey, including analytical evidence, are known and have been reviewed at a meeting later this month with all interested organisations including the bird preservation societies.

Mrs. Butler
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Does he appreciate that the deaths of thousands of birds and small animals this spring provided a very disturbing commentary on the present situation? Can he say whether, as a result of the survey and the meeting which he proposes to hold, it will be possible to bring in regulations, if they are considered necessary, before the autumn sowing takes place?

§ Mr. Soames
This survey arose out of a meeting which was held last autumn, as the hon. Lady will remember, with all the interested societies. At that meeting it was agreed that we should move forward on two lines. One was to set about an educative programme to ensure that merchants and farmers were aware of the inherent risks involved in an unnecessary use of these chemicals. The second was that this spring—and this is what is going on now—a survey would be made. I think that the hon. Lady will agree that it would be best to await the results of the survey which, in the nature of things, cannot be completed until the end of this month, because there are still the after-effects of the spring sowings to be considered. Of course, 395 it will be my intention to proceed as quickly as possible once the report of the survey has been received at the end of this month.

§ Sir J. Duncan
Has consideration been given to the difference between liquid dressings and dust dressings, as in Scotland it is thought that liquid dressings, which stay in the grain, are more dangerous than dust dressings which may be blown off grain left on the surface?

§ Mr. Soames
Yes, Sir. That is one of the matters which is being considered.

§ Mr. de Freitas
Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the point about the timing which was made by my hon. Friend the Member for Wood Green (Mrs. Butler)? What is important is that we should know before the autumn comes.

§ Mr. Soames
Yes, Sir. At the same time as we are awaiting the survey on the spring dressings we have to consider the effect of autumn sown corn on wild life. That is not necessarily the same as with the spring sowing.

§ Sir G. Nicholson
Is my right hon. Friend aware that, notwithstanding what he said, the fact remains that in some parts of the country whole species of birds and animals are probably being exterminated for ever? Is he further aware that he will not be forgiven by posterity, nor by this generation, if any complacency should lead to a recurrence of what has happened in this spring in another sowing season?

§ Mr. Soames
I assure my hon. Friend that there is no question of complacency. All I am saying is that before we decide what should be done we must see the results of this survey which, serious as I think it will be, will not go to the extent of showing extermination of certain types of birds, as my hon. Friend suggested. But in saying that I do not in any way underrate the importance of this matter.