HC Deb 03 November 1988 vol 139 cc749-50W
Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the incidence of cancers caused during the process of crop spraying with herbicides and aphicides.

Mrs. Currie

Studies have not demonstrated any effect on the incidence of cancers. There is a statutory duty for the Advisory Committee on Pesticides to advise Ministers on the safe control of pests and it assesses pesticides before recommending approval so as to exclude those which would be carcinogenic to people.