§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when and for what purposes the organophosphate pesticide Fonofos, manufactured by Zeneca, was licensed; what warnings were given to users to prevent harmful effects to wildlife; and if he will make a statement on the information made available about the product. [38428]
§ Mr. RookerFonofos was first cleared for use in the UK in 1970; its main uses are as a treatment for cereal seed and as a spray for brassicas and ornamental crops. Warnings about effects on wildlife are carried on the product labels.
The Wildlife Incidents Investigation Scheme received reports of incidents involving birds and the risk to birds was reviewed by the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides in 1994. The Committee advised that approval could continue with a user education programme being carried out by Zeneca and a five year assessment of the programme and its impact on reported incidents.
The user education programme, including a leaflet and warning stickers for drilling equipment and seed bags/pallets, was implemented by Zeneca and only one incident has been reported in the first three years.
§ Mr. Tom KingTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has conducted into the effect of (i) phosmet and (ii) other organophosphates on prion protein metabolism; and what plans he has to conduct further research. [38602]
§ Mr. RookerNone. We would, however, be prepared to consider research applications from scientists who wish to work in this area as part of our ongoing commitment to support research, including independent research, into BSE. Any application would be considered on its own merits in competition with other applications for financial support.