§ Mr. J. Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has considered the long term effect of chemical spraying on agriculture generally, including stock rearing as well as crops; and if he will charge a suitable committee or council with the duty of investigating the whole future of this question.
§ Sir T. DugdaleMy hon. Friend can be assured that the long-term effects of chemical spraying are receiving attention in various contexts, and I do not think that any additional investigation is called for. The Agricultural Research Council and the Agricultural Improvement Council have had under review the effect spraying may have on the balance of nature, and the A.R.C. and the Nature Conservancy are conducting research on this problem. An A.R.C. Unit and my Department are carrying out investigations into the long-term effects of weed-killers and my Department is also keeping under review the possible harmful effect of sprays on animals. A Working Party under Professor Zuckerman is inquiring into possible effects on products for human consumption.