§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to arrange for the collection of out-of-date toxic farm chemicals at no cost to the farmer.
§ Mr. MacleanNo. Purchasers of toxic chemicals are responsible for the safe disposal of surpluses and should think about disposal before they buy. Disposal costs can be reduced by co-ordinating collection. In the case of pesticides manufacturers and distributors have provided low-cost disposal arrangements when it has been necessary for Ministers to withdraw statutory approval for use. And I am pleased to note that the National Farmers Union is taking the initiative in making arrangements for the safe disposal of products not covered by industry schemes.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has on the amount of out-of-date toxic farm chemicals held on farms for which no safe disposal site is available.
§ Mr. MacleanSafe disposal, off-farm, is available for any toxic chemical which cannot be used. There is no reliable information on the quantity or location of such waste, but the HSE's agricultural inspectorate does from time to time find unapproved pesticides in store. Anyone still holding unapproved pesticides should without delay ensure that it is stored in a safe condition and clearly labelled as not for use and make arrangements for a reputable specialist waste disposal contractor to collect the material for safe disposal.