HL Deb 27 November 1984 vol 457 cc890-1WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will state the proportion of agricultural pesticide by volume, applied in the United Kingdom in the most recent year for which information is available, which (a) contacts the pest organism; (b) contacts the target crop; (c) leave the target area as drift or vapour; and (d) remains as soil contamination.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Belstead)

This information is not available. Pesticides vary in behaviour for many reasons, for example in their physical, chemical and biological properties, the nature of the crop and the method of application employed.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take powers in the Food and Environment Protection Bill to require manufacturers, formulators, distributors and users of pesticides to keep and make available records of the type, volume and brands of pesticides bought, sold, handled or applied, and whether such information will be published.

Lord Belstead

The Food and Environment Protection Bill, as presented to Parliament, would provide Ministers with adequate powers to require all connected with the supply and use of pesticides to keep records and provide information. The degree of record-keeping necessary to ensure the safe and efficient use of pesticides is for further consideration with all interested parties. The question of release of such information is also receiving careful consideration.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list those pesticide products which are known to have been sold, used or applied in contravention of the Pesticides Safety Precaution Scheme clearances in 1981, 1982, 1983 and 1984 respectively.

Lord Belstead

I regret that it is not possible to provide this information at reasonable cost.