HL Deb 09 December 1981 vol 425 c1429WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the estimated average annual quantities of persistent organochlorines which are used in agriculture and horticulture in England and Wales including usage in mixtures and seed dressings, used in the period 1961–64 and 1965–69, or the nearest similar periods.

Earl Ferrers

During 1967–69, the first period for which data from cyclical sample surveys are available, the estimated average annual usage of these substances for all agricultural and horticultural purposes in England and Wales was about 230 tonnes. In earlier years estimates covering the whole of the United Kingdom had been based on less systematic surveys and inquiries, and suggested that average annual usage during the period 1960–1964 was of the order of 450 tonnes.