§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce an amnesty scheme whereby farmers can return to his Department's offices partly used or unused containers of sheep dip of a lindane base.
§ Mr. MacGregorI have no plans to do so. Farmers wishing to dispose of such chemicals are advised to consult a reputable waste disposal company.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will revise his booklet, "Guidelines for the Disposal of Unwanted Pesticides and Containers on Farms and Holdings", especially in regard to sheep dip.
§ Mr. MacGregorIn consultation with the working group on the disposal of pesticides, my Department is reviewing and revising the guidance available to farmers. A revised code of practice on pesticide use should be available at the end of the year. Sheep dips are veterinary medicines and are being considered separately. Any changes in the guidance offered to farmers will be reflected in the labelling of sheep dips, in the code of conduct for the safe use of veterinary medicines on farms and in my Department's leaflets and booklets on sheep dipping.