HC Deb 19 February 1987 vol 110 c787W
38. Miss Maynard

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many pesticides and herbicides are presently cleared for use in agriculture in Britain by his Department; and whether any are presently being considered for clearance.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Pesticide approvals in Great Britain are, under the control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 granted by Ministers acting jointly. The term "pesticide" includes herbicides as well as fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides and other control agents. Currently there are some 3,400 products holding MAFF registration numbers and a further 3,000 applications awaiting approval. The vast majority of these relate to changes or extensions of use of existing approved products. Of the first total some 50 per cent. are approved for use in agriculture.