§ 53. Mr. EvennettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any plans to improve the existing controls on pesticide production and use.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 and their accompanying consents do not seek to impose controls on the production of pesticides, but control their advertisement, sale, supply, storage and use in Great Britain. Detailed controls on use are being introduced progressively. As from 1 January this year, conditions of use attached to individual product approvals were given the force of law. From 1 January next year certain users of specified pesticides will have to hold an appropriate, officially recognised, certificate of competence. I am satisfied that the introduction of these controls is resulting in higher standards of training and more care being taken in the use of pesticides and I have no plans for changing these basic arrangements.