§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of the findings of scientists at Duke University Medical Centre and University of Texas Medical Centres that the action of carbonates is heightened when used in combination with other pesticides, they will require manufacturers to ensure that formulations of pesticides are safe for humans who may be exposed to them, and that these formulations are not used in combination with other pesticides.
28WA
§ Baroness CumberlegeI understand that the work referred to has not been fully published as yet. When publication has taken place the Government will consider whether the findings have implications for the regulation of pesticides. In approving pesticides the possibility of additive or synergistic effects in mixes are considered. The safety margins are such that any risks of adverse effects are small. It is not possible to test for synergistic effects using all possible combinations but such effects are very unlikely at very low doses and where observed in animal experiments they are generally due to metabolic causes.