§ Mr. Pounderasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of public concern regarding the effect of the use of toxic chemicals in agriculture on the numbers of the songbird population of this country; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoyI am aware of public concern in this matter. Under the Pesticide Safety Precautions Scheme, the Associations representing manufacturers selling pesticides in Great Britain have agreed with the Government that their members will not put any new agricultural pesticide on the market until the Government's Advisory Committee on Pesticides and Other Toxic Chemicals has examined and assessed experimental data provided by the manufacturer. This data must include information on the effect of the chemical on wild life. Apart from many other considerations, the Committee must be satisfied with this and other information on wild life hazards before they will recommend clearance. The manufacturers incorporate on the label of their product the recommendations for safe use advised by the Committee and agreed with Government Departments.
The Advisory Committee is at present reviewing these arrangements to advise on any improvements and extensions which are desirable and, in particular whether stricter criteria should be applied in the approval of new products. It will submit its recommendations to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science in due course.