HC Deb 28 October 1981 vol 10 cc379-80W
Mr. Grist

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to implement his policy of a continued cut in the use of DDT and dieldrin and a resumed cut in the use of endrin and other organochlorine pesticides.

Mrs. Fenner:

Since 1969, clearances for specific uses of persistent organochlorine pesticides, including DDT, dieldrin and endrin, have been withdrawn as and when suitable less persistent alternatives become available for such uses. By 1 January 1981, clearances for agricultural and horticultural purposes for all uses of dieldrin and most remaining uses of the other persistent organochlorines, including DDT and endrin, had been withdrawn. The few remaining clearances will be kept under review and withdrawn when suitable alternatives become available. Meantime, my hon. Friend will appreciate that annual usage for these remaining purposes necessarily fluctuates with the seasonal incidence of the pests concerned.