§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received regarding the five-year delay in enforcing maximum residue limits for pesticides on fruit and vegetables; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderI have received several representations following reports in the media. Over 800 maximum residue levels for pesicides on fruit and vegetables have in fact been introduced under the Pesticides (Maximum Residue Levels in Food) Regulations 1988. All these limits come into effect on 31 December 1988.
871WThere are, however, six individual commodity/pesticide combinations which were included in our second consultation document but for which MRLs have not yet been set. It was recognised in our proposal that approved uses in this country can sometimes lead to residues above the various international MRLs. It was therefore proposed in the consultation document that these MRLs should come into effect in five years time, so as to allow time for good agricultural practice to be adapted. However, I was advised that it was not normal practice to set limits so far in advance of implementation. I have asked for residue data relating to these six MRLs to be reconsidered by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. MRLs which reflect the advice of the ACP and current international standards will be introduced as soon as possible. However, in setting a timetable, I will be bound to take account of any necessary adjustments to agricultural practice which may have to be set in train.