§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what studies he has carried out into the impact on (i) competitiveness and (ii) UK employment of a pesticide tax. [62614]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Department has commissioned extensive research work on the feasibility of an economic instrument to assist in delivering the Government's pesticide minimisation policy. This has included assessments of the effects of such an instrument on the competitiveness of pesticide manufacturers and distributors and of relevant agricultural sectors as well as the potential impacts on employment in these sectors.