HL Deb 02 November 1994 vol 558 c65WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the penalties to employers or employees who endanger the public or wildlife through misuse of hazardous agricultural pesticides or veterinary medicines.

The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Howe)

Evidence of the misuse of a pesticide may result in a prosecution under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA). A person found guilty of an offence is liable to a fine of up to £5,000 on summary conviction or to an unlimited fine for a conviction on indictment.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations 1988 (COSHH) impose duties on employers to assess the risks to themselves, their employees and the public in the use of pesticides or veterinary medicines and to take adequate steps to prevent or control exposure to such products. Failure to comply with COSHH may result in a fine of up to £5,000 for a summary conviction or to an unlimited fine for a conviction on indictment.