§ Mr. SimsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in which European Economic Community countries the weedkillers Altrazine and Simazine are permitted and in which they are banned; whether these chemicals find their way into tap water for human consumption; whether they are a health hazard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanI understand that Atrazine and Simazine are not prohibited under European Community legislation but member states may prohibit substances nationally if they wish. There is no central registrar of approved or prohibited pesticides for individual member states. Both substances are approved for use in the United Kingdom. Water undertakers in the United Kingdom carry out routine monitoring for pesticides and traces of Atrazine and Simazine have been detected in some drinking water supplies at levels which are not considered to be a health risk.