§ Mr. Denzil DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many employees in his Department are engaged in testing vegetables for pesticide residue.
§ Mr. RyderAt any one time, some 60 to 100 analysts in MAFF and other Government Departments are involved in analysing pesticide residues in the whole range of foods monitored by the working party on pesticide residues. The number engaged on testing vegetables within these figures will vary according to the nature of samples being analysed at any one time.
§ Mr. Denzil DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many pesticide ingredients are licensed to be used on food.
§ Mr. RyderI regret that the information requested is not readily available. Approvals issued under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 relate to individual pesticide products, rather than active ingredients. These are listed in "Pesticides 1989" a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.