§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what prosecutions have been instigated by his Department in respect of those suppliers found to be in possession of produce tainted with pesticide residues above the maximum residue limit; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. MacleanThe Government have an extensive surveillance monitoring programme. Results for 1988–89 covering over 80,000 pesticide/commodity combinations were published recently. They show that only 2 per cent, of produce contained residues above MRLs (including proposed MRLs) and in every case, action has been taken to avoid recurrence. Details are set out in the report of the working party on pesticide residues published by HMSO on 27 September. The results of enforcement monitoring are appended to this report. A copy is being placed in the Library.