HC Deb 11 June 1985 vol 80 c422W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information has been received from the West German Government regarding the prohibition of Paraquat in that country; and what steps are being taken to perpetuate the long-term experiment involving Paraquat application to soils at the Yarnton weed research laboratory.

Mrs. Fenner

[pursuant to her reply, 3 June 1985 c. 89]: Information received from the West German Government indicates that the non-renewal of approvals for certain products containing Paraquat in the Federal Republic is linked to uncertainties about the long-term effect of continued application of the active ingredient on a limited range of soil types, where minimum calculation techniques are employed, and where particularly sensitive crops are to follow treatment. I understand an appeal has been lodged against the decision.

The long-term experiment at the weed research organisation has revealed useful information but has now largely run its course. No arrangements are therefore to be made to continue the study after the spring of 1986.

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