HC Deb 16 March 1961 vol 636 cc1740-1
34. Mrs. Butler

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the report on the deaths of birds and mammals connected with toxic chemicals in the first half of 1960; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

The issues raised by this report have already been considered at a meeting which my Department held on 20th December last with representatives of the interested organisations, including the societies responsible for the report. I have sent the hon. Lady a copy of the statement issued after that meeting which records the measures agreed for dealing with this problem, including a special survey of wild life casualties, with post-mortem examinations. The report is also being considered by the Research Study Group which is examining the need for further research into the effects of toxic chemicals used in agriculture. I trust that these arrangements will provide valuable evidence on which to base any further action which may seem necessary.

Mrs. Butler

But does the Minister appreciate that since 22nd February over 40 cases not only of pigeons but of song-birds, pheasants and hares believed to have been killed by seed dressings have been reported to one of these societies? Would the right hon. Gentleman therefore, as a matter of urgency while these other measures are being considered, send out a circular as a supplement to his list of approved chemicals, drawing attention to chemicals like Dieldrin which are particularly dangerous and need very special care in handling?

Mr. Soames

As to the numbers of animals which have been found dead, we have instructed our pest officers in every region to try to collect any bodies of animals or birds which might have died from poisoning and we will have an examination made of them. A circular has been sent to members by the National Farmers' Union, and a circular is being sent out by the Association of Corn and Agricultural Merchants to their people about the dressing of seeds. I think that during this year we shall be able to make considerable progress in education in the use of these seed dressings and I hope that we shall have valuable information on which we shall be able to consider future action.