§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the impact of dimethoate on wildlife; whether this pesticide has been reviewed; and whether he has any proposals to reduce its application.
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§ Mr. MacleanNo formal representations have been received about dimethoate. However, the environmental panel of the Advisory Committee on Pesticides is aware of concern by the Game Conservancy Trust and beekeepers, and is keeping a close watch on the use of dimethoate on field crops.
The Government monitor incidents involving pesticides and honeybees; in 1988, 22 out of 60 such incidents were linked to dimethoate; in 1989 the figures were 15 out of 59.
606WLast year the ACP reviewed the use of dimethoate on protected lettuce. As a result, the conditions of approval were amended with effect from 1 April 1990 to restrict application to one per crop and to increase the minimum period between application and havest from seven days to four weeks.