§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what system is in place to enable the assessment of the impact on the environment from the interaction of pesticides individually approved for use. [123830]
§ Alun MichaelPossible synergistic effects of pesticides on the environment are addressed by looking at the toxicity of pesticide products that contain more than one active ingredient.
The Pesticides Safety Directorate has also examined the possible effects on the environment of the interaction of pesticides on a more general level. In 1995 a literature review was undertaken on the possible ecotoxicological implications for the Directorate's wildlife risk assessment of the possible synergistic effects of pesticides.
As a follow-up to the literature review, and in response to reported wildlife incidents, the Directorate has commissioned research into the synergistic effects of insecticides and fungicides on honeybees. The research is due to be completed later this year when the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides will consider it.