§ 13. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to prohibit or restrict the use of the herbicides 2,4-D and 2,45-T.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartMy right hon. Friend has asked the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and other Toxic Chemicals to advise him whether further precautions are needed for 2,4-D following recent reports suggesting that it might harm wildlife. As I told the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) on 19th January, prohibition is not envisaged for 2,45-T although the Committee has its safety implications under continuous review.—[Vol. 809, c. 240–1.]
§ Mr. HardyI am grateful for some evidence of progress in this matter. Can the Minister give some idea about when the report he has requested will be available and when it will be acted upon? Is he aware that with this sort of chemical spray by aircraft there seem to be frequest instances of growing inaccuracy in spraying and that the areas affected are much more extensive than was originally supposed?
§ Mr. StodartThe second question goes a little wide of these matters. I cannot give a firm date by which the committee will report; it is a matter for the committee. But I shall certainly undertake to draw to the committee's attention the hon. Gentleman's anxiety that the report should be made as speedily as possible.