§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to review the effects on the environment of the use of organophosphates. [4913]
§ Ms Angela EagleThe Environment Agency keeps the environmental effects of organophosphates under review through its monitoring programmes. I have arranged for a copy of its recently published report "Pesticides in the Aquatic Environment 1995" to be placed in the Library. The Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme, run by the Agriculture Departments, monitors the impact of agricultural pesticides, including organophosphates, on wildlife. Approvals of organophosphate pesticides and veterinary medicines are reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and the Veterinary Products Committee. Agricultural pesticides including organophosphates are also subject to the European Community rolling review programme under Council Directive 91/414. The Veterinary Products Committee reviewed organophosphate sheep-dips earlier this year and its recommendations are currently being put into place. There are also many research projects addressing the effects of organophosphates on the environment including those funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. The Government is considering whether any further action to reduce the effects of organophosphates on the environment is necessary.