§ Mr. PaiceTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if, further to his answer to the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark) of 21 July,Official Report. column 410, he will indicate when he expects the review of staffing levels within the Pesticide Data Evaluation Unit to be finalised;
(2) whether the review of staffing levels within the Pesticide Data Evaluation Unit has implications for minimising the waiting time for approval of new and reapproval of old pesticides.
§ Mr. MacleanThe scientific complement of the unit has been increased progressively from 42 at October 1988 to 60 today. Special increases in pay have also been awarded to improve recruitment and retention of staff.
Further consideration is being given to staffing levels to ensure that waiting times are minimised.