HL Deb 17 January 1983 vol 437 cc1275-6WA
Lord Hale

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the reason for the constant delay—now 12 months overdue—of the report of the Committee on Pesticides in relation to dioxin, and when their report on Hodgkin's disease is expected.

Earl Ferrers

Her Majesty's Government commissioned, in May of last year, a report from the Advisory Committee on Pesticides relating to a suggested association between exposure to phenoxy acid herbicides, wood preservatives, chlorophenols, or the contaminants which they may contain, and soft tissue sarcomas.

The committee's advice has now been received and Her Majesty's Government will make a statement as soon as they have completed their consideration of that advice.