Pesticides (Hansard, 2 February 1995)

§ Mr. Jim Cunningham
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health regarding the use and effects of pesticides and any other animal treatments on the animal food chain.

§ Mrs. Browning
My right hon. Friend the Minister and the Secretary of State for Health are among the Ministers responsible for the regulation of pesticides and regularly discuss such matters. An important part of the regulatory process is consideration of effects on the food chain.

§ Mr. Jim Cunningham
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to reduce the amount of pesticides and other chemicals being used in agriculture.

§ Mrs. Browning
The Government's policy is that pesticide usage should be the minimum necessary for effective pest control compatible with the protection of human health and the environment. This policy is pursued by a variety of means including a rigorous approvals policy, codes of practice for pesticide users and an extensive research and development programme.

§ Mr. Jim Cunningham
To ask the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food what plans he has to implement more stringent regulations on the use of chemical treatments.

§ Mrs. Browning
None. Ministers have sufficient powers to ensure the proper protection of health and to safeguard the environment.

§ Mr. Jim Cunningham
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what discussions he has had with other countries regarding legislation used in those countries to ban the use of toxins and pesticides;
(2) what proposals he has for legislation to be introduced in this country which will bring this country into line with other countries which have banned the use of pesticides, toxins and chemicals.

§ Mrs. Browning
The United Kingdom has a well-developed system for regulating pesticides which protects people and the environment while ensuring that those who need them have effective pesticides available. We can and do restrict or ban pesticides where they cannot be used safely. Our system is widely respected abroad and the new Community regime closely resembles it.