§ Mr. Colvinasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the full result of the working party on pesticide residues is due to be published.
§ Mrs. FennerThe working party on pesticide residues published a full report on the results of its work between 1977 and 1981 in June 1982. I expect a comprehensive report of the activities of the working party between 1982 and early 1985 to be published at the end of this year.
§ Mr. Colvinasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he intends taking following the Ninth report of the steering group on food surveillance entitled "Report of the Working Party on Pesticide Residues (1977–81) Food Surveillance Paper No. 9".
§ Mrs. FennerThis report was published in June 1982 and overall presented a reassuring picture. Levels of pesticide residues found in food in the United Kingdom were generally well below internationally accepted maximum residue limits and studies over 20 years have shown a steady decrease in the exposure of the United Kingdom population to persistent pesticide residues in food. Where possible problem areas were highlighted, action has been and continues to be taken to confirm the results of surveys and to modify the approved uses of the pesticides in question.