HC Deb 20 July 1966 vol 732 c619
51. Mr. Burden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that some hormone selective weed killers are a danger to the health and life of human beings and animals; and what steps are taken to clear them for use and ensure that dangerous specifications are not put into use.

Mr. Hoy

The Advisory Committee on Pesticides and Other Toxic Chemicals subjects weed killers to rigorous scrutiny before making recommendations for their safe use and before they are cleared through the Pesticides Safety Precautions Scheme.

Mr. Burden

I understand the interest of the party opposite in pesticides at the moment, but will the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that really great attention is being paid to this matter, because it is causing grave concern in the country?

Mr. Hoy

Yes, Sir. I can give the hon. Member that assurance.

Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop

Does the Minister to agree that it looks as if the Treasury Bench needs a little selective weed killer at the moment?

Mr. Hoy

I am encouraged in that view from the position I am looking from just now.

Mr. Speaker

It is obviously time to move away from Questions.