§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies have been conducted by(a) his Department and (b) the scientific panel of the Veterinary Products Committee of the environmental implications of the discharge of organophosphate sheep dip effluent into rivers and water courses; and if these studies were published. [40730]
§ Mr. ClappisonMy Department has not carried out any studies, but the Environment Agency, which has statutory powers to protect the aquatic environment, has an on-going research and development programme. As part of this programme, the agency has published two reports "The Disposal of Sheep Dip Waste—Effects on Water Quality" (1994) and "Pesticides in the Aquatic Environment" (1995).
The activities of the Veterinary Products Committee are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to issue guidance to Health and Safety Executive inspectors to apply strict guidelines for the early investigation of incidents involving the alleged misuse of pesticides, including organophosphates. [40731]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordNone. Guidance was issued in November 1993.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions have taken place for the misuse of organophosphate pesticides under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1 how many prosecutions for organophosphate misuse have been made, pursuant to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 since they came into force; and what steps have been taken to ensure stricter control over the use of organophosphates. [40735]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThere have been no prosecutions under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 concerning the misuse of organophosphate pesticides.1052W Three prosecutions have been taken under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations and three convictions were secured.
The Health and Safety Executive has always strictly enforced health and safety legislation regarding the use of organophosphate pesticides at work. Free guidance has been sent to the agricultural sector and HSE inspectors give advice during workplace visits and, where necessary enforce measures to protect health and comply with FEPA and COSHH. Where significant shortcomings are found, they can issue enforcement notices and, ultimately prosecute.
HSE pursues an effective policy of guidance for prevention. This is considered more effective than regulation enforced by prosecution.
§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what joint research his Department has conducted with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food over the environmental implications of the failure of all sheep farmers to enrol in the certificate of competence for the safe use of organophosphate sheep dips under the National Proficiency Test Council [40732]
§ Mr. ClappisonNo joint research has been conducted, but without a certificate of competence, sheep farmers may not purchase organophosphate sheep dips. The certificate, held by over 12,000 sheep farmers, ensures that the holders are aware of the requirements for the safe disposal of sheep dip.