§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress to date of the Government's safety review of pesticides.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonSince the early 1960s the Advisory Committee on Pesticides has carried out major reviews of pesticides or classes of pesticides. Some of these are described in the 1984 and 1985 reports of the committee, copies of which are in the Library of the House. This work continues and will be summarised in the committee's further annual reports.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what staff and financial resources are presently devoted to the Government's safety review of pesticides.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonIt is not possible to give accurate figures without disproportionate cost. Some 50 scientists are currently employed by my Department and the Health and Safety Executive on the evaluation of pesticides including those under review. In addition, members of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and its scientific sub-committee also contribute to reviews.