§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list any research projects he is funding, has funded or intends to fund on the effects of cadmium on, and its occurrence in (a) agricultural livestock, (b) wildlife and (c) cereal crops.
§ Mrs. RumboldMy Department has funded a number of investigations of cadmium contamination at various sites. These investigations included measurements of cadmium levels in soil and vegetables. The most important investigations were at Shipham (Somerset), Beaumont Leys (Leicestershire), C1assington (Oxfordshire) and556W Royston (Hertfordshire). Investigations of the possible toxic effects on, and measurements of accumulations of cadmium in, agricultural livestock, wildlife and cereal crops were not included in these studies. No further work is planned.
The main responsibility for the health of crops and of farm animals and for the quality of food lies with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, which supports research relevant to this responsibility.