§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is being taken by his Department designed to prevent the adverse effects of herbicides and other noxious substances in killing off wild life and flowers on grass verges and hedgerows; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SpeedIt is my Department's policy to protect and preserve wild life and flowers in verges and hedgerows adjoining motorways and trunk roads, in so far as this does not conflict with road safety. Strict limits are imposed on the use of selective week killers and growth inhibitors.
397WLocal highway authorities responsible for other roads have been made aware of this policy. Advice is available to them from the Department's Horticultural Adviser and also from the Nature Conservancy, which is carrying out a programme of research in consultation with county councils.
My Department is currently conducting a study on the non-agricultural uses of pesticides. The results will be available in the New Year.
Products for use on agricultural land are controlled under the voluntary Pesticides Safety Precautions Scheme operated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.