HL Deb 29 October 1981 vol 424 cc1190-1WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many tons of persistent organo-chlorines were used for agricultural purposes in each year from 1970 to 1980.

Earl Ferrers

Information is not available in the form requested. Estimates of pesticides usage in agriculture and horticulture derive primarily from cyclical sample surveys under which the aim is to cover each of the various groups of crops every three to five years. During the survey periods 1971–1974 and 1975–1979 the estimated average annual quantities of persistent organo-chlorines, which are used in agriculture and horticulture in England and Wales including usage in mixtures and seed dressings, were about 100 tonnes and 91 tonnes respectively.