§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies his Department has made, is conducting, plans to make or is aware of, concerning the effects of organo-phosphorus pesticides on birds.
§ Mrs. FennerThe investigation of reported wildlife incidents by the Agriculture Departments enables us to assess the direct effects of pesticides on birds and other animals.
The replacement of persistent organochlorine compounds by less persistent organo-phosphorus pesticides did result in some problems involving particular species of birds. Our surveillance allowed action to be taken quickly to reduce these identified risks.
My Department is also investigating the effects of pesticides on bird behaviour and is funding a field study of the effects of insecticide use in forestry on bird population.
I refer the hon. Member to the paper entitled "The Environmental Cost of Pesticide Usage in the United Kingdom" which was placed in the Library of the House recently.