HC Deb 16 January 1975 vol 884 cc140-1W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will activate forthwith the provisions of the Farm and Garden Chemicals Act 1967 to ensure that pesticides are marked with a red, yellow or green band around the label to warn amateur gardeners of their relative toxicity to human beings; and if he will make a statement on the considerations that have led him not to bring this provision into effect earlier.

Mr. Strang

We are concerned that any action of this kind should be founded upon the proposed international symbols which are under discussion and which would readily be distinguished by those who are colour-blind. In the meantime, all concerned are already protected by the existing safeguards described in the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Wood Green (Mrs. Butler) on 5th July 1974.—[Vol. 876, c. 285.] It may further reassure my hon. Friend to know that, under the Pesticides Safety Precautions Scheme, only the less toxic formulations can be marketed for use in home gardens.