HC Deb 20 June 1991 vol 193 c268W
26. Mr. Clelland

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to reduce the level of use of pesticides in agriculture.

Mr. Maclean

The Government's policy is that the use of pesticides should be limited to the minimum necessary for the effective control of pests compatible with the protection of human health and the environment.

This Department spends over £20 million per year on research into pests and pesticides, particularly aimed at reduced usage.

The tonnage of pesticides used in England and Wales has dropped by 18 per cent. since 1979.