§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received in the last five years, regarding the banning of the chemical 2,4,5-T; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkA number of representations advocating the banning of the chemical 2,4,5-T have been received in the last five years. They included those from the trades unions such as "How Many More" produced by the Agricultural and Allied 'Workers National Trade Group. All such representations are considered in detail by the Government's Advisory Committee on Pesticides. The committee considerwd the latest evidence on the safety of phenoxy acid herbicides, which include 2,4,5-T, in 1982.
§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what research his Department has conducted into the possible harmful effects of the chemicals 2,4.5-T and 2,4-D;
(2) what international research is available to his. Department on the possible harmful effects of the chemicals 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkThe Advisory Committee on Pesticides published an initial review on the safety of the herbicide 2,4,5–T in March 1979 and later reviews in December 1980 and January 1983. The reviews take account of national and international research including 75W investigations carried out by the Health and Safety Executive. Copies of the reports are in the House of Commons Library. The Health and Safety Executive continues to keep in touch with national and international research on this topic.
§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has had alleging possible harmful effects of the chemical 2,4–D.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkA number of representations have been received about the possible harmful effects of phenoxy acid herbicides, which include the chemical 2.4–D. All such representations are considered in detail by the Government's Advisory Committee on Pesticides.