§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what evaluation he has undertaken of the relative effectiveness of economic instruments and other measures designed to minimise pesticide use; [88844]
(2) if he will set out, for each pesticide or group of pesticides, the scientific basis which would underlie the introduction of additional financial or other measures designed to minimise their use; [88845]
(3) what compensation regime would apply to farmers and agricultural producers to reflect the adverse impact of a pesticide tax. [88846]
§ Mr. MealeThe Government have been considering the case for introducing a pesticide tax as part of its policy for minimising pesticide use. A research report, commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the design and impact of a possible tax, was published on 24 March and views were invited on a number of issues raised in this report. The Government are currently considering the responses to the consultative exercise.