§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the relative effectiveness of economic instruments over other measures designed to minimise pesticide use; [66213]
(2) what plans he has for a compensation regime for farmers and agricultural producers to offset the effects of a pesticide tax. [66229]
§ Mr. MealeThe Government have commissioned extensive research work on economic instruments as a component of its pesticide minimisation policy to be used in combination with other measures. In considering the possible introduction of a pesticide tax, we shall look very carefully at the potential impact on farmers and other pesticide users.