Tsetse Fly (Hansard, 4 July 1985)

§ Dr. David Clark
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what advice he has received on the ecological effect of the European Economic plans to participate in the scheme to eradicate tsetse fly from parts of central Africa.

§ Mr. Raison
Advice was received from my scientific staff and the tsetse research laboratory. This was based on a five-year study by the Tropical Development and Research Institute into the effects of aerial spraying of the chosen insecticide. We were concerned to ensure that the chemical control methods proposed would not cause damage to the environment, and for the same reason insisted on the need for strict planning of the use of land to be freed from infestation.

§ Dr. David Clark
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the European Economic Community proposals to support the project to eradicate tsetse fly in parts of central Africa.

§ Mr. Raison
The Government supported a proposal which was approved in April 1985 to provide 19.15 million ecu (£11 million) from the European development fund for phase 1 of a tsetse and trypanosomiasis control programme in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Later phases, if approved, will include neighbouring states. Strict planning of the use of the land to be cleared of tsetse flies will be essential to avoid damage to the environment.

§ Dr. David Clark
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which pesticides are being supplied from the United Kingdom for use in the European Economic Community scheme to eradicate tsetse fly in central Africa.

§ Mr. Raison
British pesticide companies will supply synthetic pyrethroids for trials in the research component of the project. Most of the chemicals, however, will be purchased after an international invitation to tender in accordance with the procedures of the Lomô convention. No organo-chlorines will be used in the project. Endosulphan is to be used for aerial spraying and pyrethroid deltamethrin for fly traps.