§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what his policy is in relation to the endocrine disrupting pesticides listed by the European Commission and reported upon by the Royal Society in June 2000. [154257]
§ Ms QuinWe are playing a major role in the EU programme to review all substances used as plant protection products which includes those listed by the EU Commission as endocrine disrupting pesticides. This review programme will ensure the safety of all plant protection products as regards workers, consumers and the environment. Any substance failing to meet the high standards of safety demanded will be withdrawn from the market; 18 already have been or are being withdrawn.