§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the research projects he is funding, including the location and amount spent on each project, into the effects of pesticides on human health.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Department is not funding any research on this subject but I understand some proposals relating to improved monitoring and investigation of alleged pesticide poisoning are under consideration at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Under the 275W Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986, applicants seeking approval of pesticide products are required to submit a full breakdown package in support of their application for the approval of pesticides. They are also required to undertake extensive research into, among other things, the potential toxicological effects of pesticides on operators and consumers. This research can often take several years to complete to the satisfaction of the regulatory authorities and is carried out at considerable cost to the companies. It makes an important contribution towards increasing knowledge of pesticides and raising contemporary scientific standards.