§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what facilities currently exist to test for the effects of exposure to pesticides; whether he has any plans to improve diagnostic and treatment facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanDoctors have access to the whole range of NHS testing facilities to assist them in diagnosis and treatment of people who may have been exposed to pesticides. They can seek advice from national poisons units and can arrange for special tests if necessary at pathology laboratories. There are no plans to make improvements specifically to pesticide testing facilities.
All doctors receive training in the diagnosis of acute poisoning, including that from exposure to pesticides. In addition, all general practitioners and hospital accident and emergency departments have been issued with a copy of the book "Pesticide Poisoning", a copy of which is available in the Library. This gives guidance on the diagnosis and treatment where acute poisoning from pesticides is suspected, but not on exposure to the very low levels of residues in food as these are within the accepted safety limits.