§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what was the total(a) volume and (b) value of flowers imported into the UK from Kenya for each year since 1997; what discussions her Department has had relating to the involvement of UK companies in the import or production of flowers produced in Kenya using chemicals banned in the EU; and if she will make a statement; [88281]
(2) What controls are placed on the import of flowers into the UK in relation to the use of (a) pesticides and (b) environmentally unsustainable practices; and if she will make a statement. [88282]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 8 January 2003]The total volume and value of imports of fresh cut flowers into the UK from Kenya since 1997 is set out in the following table:
Year Total tones Total £000 1997 5,014 13,430 1998 4,835 13,950 1999 6,634 19,427 2000 8,095 22,817 2001 9,088 28,073 20021 7,893 25,093 1 January to September Source:
HM Customs and Excise 371W DEFRA has had no discussion so the use of chemicals in the production of flowers in Kenya.
There are no controls on the import of flowers into the UK in relation to the use of pesticides or environmentally unsustainable practices, other than EU common quality standards which require that marketed cut flowers must be free of pesticide residues that affect the visual quality of the product.
Imported produce is subject to checks for maximum residue levels, but these levels apply to consumable products and not to flowers.