§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many illnesses have been recorded for farm workers due either to inhalation of carbamate insecticide dust or through skin absorption of the chemical.
§ Mr. GummerThe number of confirmed illnesses recorded by the Health and Safety Executive's agricultural inspectorate involving farm workers, due either to inhalation, oral ingestion or dermal absorption of carbamate insecticides is as follows:
Year Number 1980 4 1981 2 1982 None 1983 None
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list his powers to prohibit the use of pesticides; and whether these include the power to prohibit on the ground alone that they are likely to cause damage to wildlife.
§ Mr. GummerSection 22 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 empowers an inspector, appointed under section 19 of the Act, to issue a notice prohibiting any activity, which, in the opinion of the inspector, could involve a risk of serious personal injury, such activities can include the misuse of agricultural pesticides. There is no provision within the Act to prohibit the use of pesticides solely on the grounds that they are likely to cause damage to wildlife. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has such powers under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture recently announced the intention of the Government to introduce further legislation to secure the safe and efficient use of pesticides.