§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to discontinue the use of aldicarb on crops in the UK. [150520]
§ Alun MichaelCouncil Decision 2003/199/EC of 18 March 2003 requires member states to withdraw approvals for most uses of products containing aldicarb by 18 September 2004.
However, the Decision allows for certain 'essential uses' of aldicarb to continue until 31 December 2007. These are limited uses for which no efficient alternative control methods currently exist. In the UK the essential uses are for the control of nematodes (parasitic worms) on potatoes, carrots, parsnips, onions and ornamentals.
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§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment has been made by the Pesticide Safety Directorate of the effects on human health of pesticides containing aldicarb. [150521]
§ Alun MichaelThe UK was the `rapporteur member state' for aldicarb in the EC review of pesticides under Directive 91/414/EEC. The Pesticides Safety Directorate was thus responsible for examining extensive scientific data on aldicarb to draft an assessment report for review by all other member states and the EC Commission.
The EC review of aldicarb concluded that under normal conditions of use there would be no unacceptable risks to workers or consumers. However, the substance is being phased out due to potential environmental impacts.
§ Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what advice the Pesticide Safety Directorate has published on the handling of pesticides containing aldicarb. [150522]
§ Alun MichaelAdvice on safe handling of pesticides is provided as 'safety precautions' on the labels and accompanying literature for pesticides. The safety precautions for each pesticide product are checked and agreed by the Pesticide Safety Directorate as part of the approval process.
Pesticides containing aldicarb carry over 20 safety precautions covering the following areas: operator protection (including details of specified protective clothing); consumer protection; environmental protection; and storage and disposal advice.