51. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the voluntary restrictions on the use of poisonous seed dressings 59W and other pesticides and insecticides are working satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsWe are satisfied that the voluntary restrictions are being well observed and that, in consequence, there has been a marked reduction in the number of bird deaths caused by toxic seed dressings. The Agricultural Departments continue to investigate all cases of suspected poisoning. The Nature Conservancy is engaged on long-term ecological research and the experimental work of this Ministry continues. We shall be reviewing the position again this summer with the organisations who have an interest.