§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has assessed of damage to the(a) aquatic and (b) soil environments from synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips; where this damage has occurred; what assessment he has made of its implications for fisheries and wildlife; and if he will make a statement. [29728]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 16 February 1998]: I have been asked to reply.
The Environment Agency is responsible for monitoring of, and assessing any damage to the environment in England and Wales. The Agency has initiated a monitoring programme to determine whether there is evidence of widespread impact on the aquatic environment from all types of sheep dipping compounds, including synthetic pyrethroids. A full report of the findings will be published by the Agency later this year. There has been no specific assessment of effects on soil.
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