§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many local authorities have decided to ban or 675W are considering taking such action in regard to the use of 2,4,5-T or any other chemical preparation which contains a significant proportion of dioxin.
§ Mr. WigginProducts containing a significant proportion of dioxin are not available in this country. The use of 2,4,5-T as an active ingredient in formulating herbicides is prohibited if it contains any dioxin impurity exceeding the FAO standard of 0.1 mg/kg. Press reports indicate that two county councils and one district council have suspended use of approved herbicides of this kind. Based on recommendations by the expert Advisory Committee on Pesticides, it is the Government's view that there are no medical or scientific grounds for doing so. If others are contemplating similar action I hope that they will first study the advisory committee's reference document, which explains why these products are safe if properly used; and that they will contact my Department if they need any further information or have any evidence for questioning the findings.