§ Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied that the regulations governing the use of new insecticides, pesticides and herbicides in agriculture or food storage are adequate to protect the public; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsMy right hon. Friend is satisfied that the public is adequately safeguarded by the voluntary Notification of Pesticides Scheme, under which manufacturers of agricultural chemicals have undertaken not to market a new pesticide for use in agriculture or food storage until the Advisory Committee on Poisonous Substances has examined it and Government Departments have issued official recommendations for its safe use. The recommendations can be changed at any time if experience shows that to be necessary. My right hon. Friend will continue to keep these arrangements under constant review and they will be strengthened if the need arises.