§ Mr. John GarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what monitoring his Department is undertaking of pesticides in streams and water supplies.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryWater undertakers are responsible for monitoring the levels of pesticides in water supplies in accordance with the requirements of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989. In addition to the continuing role of local authorities in checking the quality of water supplies in their areas, the new drinking water inspectorate is responsible for ensuring that drinking water quality standards are met. The National Rivers Authority also monitors surface waters for those pesticides that are classified as European Community list I dangerous substances.
§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has made an assessment of the environmental impact of pesticide use on agricultural and other land.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryThe environmental impact of pesticide use is routinely assessed as part of the approval process specified in the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 made under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985. The agreement of the Ministers of six Departments is needed before a pesticide can be approved for use, and Ministers are required to consult the
101Windependent Advisory Committee on Pesticides, which considers scientific information on all aspects of pesticide use, including the effect on agricultural and other land.