§ Mr. HoramTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will place in the Library the British Agrochemicals Association's draft proposals to minimise the environmental impact of pesticide use; [111082]
(2) when he will have proposals in place for voluntary measures to meet the Government's objective of minimising the environmental impact of pesticide use; and if he will consult interested parties prior to their publication. [111081]
§ Mr. TimmsThe Government announced on 1 February that the proposals brought forward by the British Agrochemical Association to minimise the environmental impacts of pesticides form a useful basis for discussing with the industry and other interested parties what form a partnership approach might take. Subject to further detailed discussions on these proposals, the Chancellor will not proceed with the introduction of a pesticides tax in the Budget. Discussions with the industry will continue in the run up to the Budget. Should these discussions continue after the Budget, the Government will consult with interested parties before any final decisions are taken on the detailed measures aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of pesticide use.