§ Mr. CurryTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she will take to monitor the enforcement of regulations relating to the application of agricultural crop protection products for non-approved amenity uses.[25033]
§ Mr. MorleyAll pesticides are subject to strict regulatory control and must be approved by Ministers before they can be marketed or used in the UK.
Pesticides must be used in accordance with the approved conditions of use specified on the pesticide label, which include directions for the situations in which the pesticide may be used. Failure to comply with a condition of use is an offence and may be subject to enforcement action. The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for enforcement in respect of the professional use of pesticides in amenity situations, and will decide on any necessary action on the basis of evidence that arises.
§ Mr. CurryTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she has taken to regulate the use of marker chemicals when pre-mixed with crop protection chemicals for use in amenity situations; how many prosecutions there have been from such use in each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement. [25008]
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§ Mr. MorleyAll pesticides are subject to strict regulatory control and must be approved by Ministers before they can be marketed or used in the UK.
No pesticide may be mixed with a marker or other additive prior to sale or supply unless approval has been granted for the sale or supply of that mixed product. However following sale users may mix approved products with other chemicals, or arrange for mixing to take place on their behalf, provided they comply with all conditions governing use described on the pesticide label. An appropriate risk assessment must also be carried out prior to use. No prosecutions have been taken against users for the illegal use of mixed products.
Guidelines regarding the mixing of pesticides —"Guidelines on the Provision of Pesticide Mixing Services and Sale of Pesticide Twin Packs and Kits" were issued by the Pesticides Safety Directorate on 17 August 2000. These are being reviewed and it is intended that revised guidelines will be distributed to approval holders, distributors, retailers and user groups in 2002.
§ Mr. CurryTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department has taken to strengthen the role of the HSE in the enforcement of laws relating to illegal import of crop protection products for use in agriculture and horticulture. [25032]
§ Mr. MorleyAll pesticides are subject to strict regulatory control and must be approved by Ministers before they can be marketed or used in the UK.
The Health and Safety Executive already have extensive powers to enforce against the illegal storage or use of pesticides, including those illegally imported into the UK. Local authorities have similar powers to take enforcement action against illegal advertisement, sale or supply. Where evidence establishes that illegal activity has occurred enforcement action is taken.