§ Mr. Tom Coxasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the policy of his Department towards informing farmers of the new pesticide control regulations.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 and the consents made under them came into effect on 6 October. Considerable publicity was given to the new controls through press briefing, a press release, 367W the wide distribution of our free leaflet "Pesticides: Guide to the New Controls", and the publication of "Pesticides 1986" by HMSO (reference book 500). Advice on the new controls is also available from ADAS advisors. A code of practice, at present under discussion with interested organisations, will provide practical guidance to farmers on how to comply with their new legal obligations. It will be laid before the House before it is issued in its final form.