§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the progress is of her Department's consultation on proposed crop spray buffer zones. [170010]
§ Alun MichaelThe consultation on whether no-spray buffer zones should be introduced between agricultural spray operations and residential areas had a substantial response. I have seen initial papers from officials but all the evidence needs to be considered and the implications of any decision need to be thoroughly thought through. Our priority is to ensure that the right decision is made. It would be counter-productive to rush into making a decision and announce a conclusion as soon as there is something to say.