§ Miss Richardsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the recent decision by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to ban 2,4,5-T on the grounds that its use is associated with an increase in miscarriages, he will review the use of this herbicide in Great Britain again; and when the report of the earlier review panel is likely to be made public.
§ Mr. StrangMy right hon. Friend the Minister has now received the reference document on 2,4,5-T. Printed supplies will be available later this week; I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the 547W Library. The document sets out the medical and scientific grounds on which the expert advisory committee on pesticides has concluded that cleared products containing 2,4,5-T can continue to be safely used in the recommended way for the recommended purposes. In submitting the document the chairman has affirmed that the clearance and use of these products will be kept under constant review in the light of any new information that is received, including the data from the United States of America to which my hon. Friend refers and which has led to certain new restrictions on use in that country.