§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the dangers to human health of the use of pesticides on apples grown in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) the EU and (c) other countries; and if he will make a statement. [21096]
§ Mrs. BrowningI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Mrs. Winterton) on 17 March 1997,Official Report, columns 372–73.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to promote the farming of apples in the United Kingdom without the use of pesticides; and if he will make a statement. [21097]
§ Mr. BoswellThere are no specific plans to promote the farming of apples without the use of pesticides. However, we are doing much to encourage organic farming which makes limited use of a very restricted range of mainly natural pesticides. There is an aid scheme which provides direct financial support for conversion, a free advice service and a dedicated research and development programme. We also fund the independent United Kingdom register of organic food standards.