§ Dr. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has regarding the extent of and dangers posed by the poisoning of people by organophosphate pesticides.
§ Mr. DorrellBefore pesticides can be used legally in the United Kingdom, they must be approved by Ministers who are advised by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. Approved organophosphate (OP) pesticides must be used in accordance with the directions and conditions specified on the product label in order to safeguard workers, consumers of the treated produce and others.
The Department has copies of the reports of the Health and Safety Executive's agricultural and factory inspectorates on poisoning incidents attributed to pesticides. The last one was for a 15-month period from January 1989 to 312W March 1990 and shows that out of a total of 95 suspected poisoning incidents investigated, 25 have been identified as involving OP pesticides. None related to consumption of food from treated crops. One fatality was reported in circumstances where no evidence was available as to how ingestion occurred and the coroner returned an open verdict. Copies of the report are in the Library. The next one is due to be published on 16 July 1991.