§ Angela SmithTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received about the health implications of Lindane. [127817]
§ Ms QuinMAFF has received numerous representations from individuals and organisations concerning the pesticide Lindane. Most of these have expressed concern over the possible environmental or human health effects of the use of Lindane in this country.
The Government act whenever necessary on pesticides in order to safeguard health and protect the environment. In the case of Lindane, using a precautionary assessment, independent scientific advice is that the currently approved agricultural uses of lindane do not pose any unacceptable risk to people. Ministers are currently considering the advice from the independent Advisory Committee on Pesticides on the home garden and non-agricultural uses of Lindane and will announce their conclusions as soon as possible.