§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research has been undertaken by his Department into the use of the pesticides atrazine and simazine; and if he will make a statement on their use in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SoamesThe agricultural use of atrazine and simazine is monitored through the studies carried out by the MAFF Pesticide Usage Survey Group. Recent reports show that in England and Wales approximately 41 tonnes of atrazine are used per year, primarily on maize. The major uses of simazine are on beans, peas and in orchards where approximately 140 tonnes are used annually. In addition there are major non-agricultural uses of both atrazine and simazine.