HC Deb 23 December 1982 vol 34 cc664-5W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to ensure that the levels of TCCD. (2,4,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin) are below the maximum permitted 0.01 mg. per kg. of 2,3,5-T in the technical active substance; whether Her Majesty's Government rely on the manufacturer's certificate of analysis or an independent check; and by whom this check is carried out and how frequently.

Mrs. Fenner

My Department's scrutiny of certificates of analysis submitted by importers of 2,4,5-T acid is supplemented by random samples which are tested for their TCDD content by the laboratory of the Government Chemist.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether Her Majesty's Government will accept the three main recommendations—section III, paragraph 3, points (a), (b) and (c)—of the EEC communication to the Council concerning the marketing and use of plant protection products containing 2,4,5-T (Com (82) 332).

Mrs. Fenner

A European Council working group, on which all member States are represented, is examining the opinions in the Commission's communication and Her Majesty's Government will decide their attitude in the light of this examination, which will continue next year, and of the expert scientific advice given by their own Advisory Committee on Pesticides.