§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under what circumstances farmers are permitted to spray sulphuric acid on potato fields. [91733]
§ Mr. RookerWhen applied to potatoes for the purpose of desiccating haulms, sulphuric acid falls within the definition of a pesticide. Pesticides may be used only if they are approved by Ministers following assessment of their impact on human health and the environment. The use of sulphuric acid on potato crops has been approved subject to a number of restrictions and requirements, of which the main ones are
only 77 per cent. clean "sulphur burnt" sulphuric acid may be used;application is permitted only between 1 May and 15 November;the maximum dose permitted is 340 litres/hectare (800 litres per hectare for potatoes grown for canning);a written COSHH assessment must be made before use. Operator exposure must be controlled by means of personal protective equipment and/or engineering controls;application must be by operators holding a recognised certificate of competence in the use of the relevant equipment;at least 24 hours written notice must be provided to immediate neighbours and notices must be posted on adjacent roads and paths and kept in place for at least 96 hours after treatment. Unprotected persons must be kept out of treated areas for at least 96 hours following treatment.