§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) which chemicals and other substances he prohibits the use of only to a limited extent;
(2) how many chemicals and other substances are currently under review or investigation by his Department with a view to complete or partial prohibition from use in agriculture or forestry;
(3) which chemicals and other substances he prohibits the use of without exception.
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§ Mr. Anthony StodartSince 1957 thousands of proprietary products, utilising some 400 chemical or other substances, have required safety clearance from the Government before being used in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, home gardens, food storage, home kitchens and larders. Disproportionate effort and expense would be involved in giving the hon. Member the detailed analyses he is seeking. As an example, however, some conditions or precautions were prescribed in virtually all of the 591 decisions reached last year, and there were 9 instances where the proposed use was not authorised at all.
These safety clearance measures are a continuing process. They include not only the critical scrutiny of new products, but also the review of those previously examined and for which new uses may be envisaged or new scientific evidence may become available. They are conducted with the valuable help of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and other Toxic Chemicals, and of its Scientific Sub-Committee. I am sending the lion. Member details of the Precaution Scheme which is operated.