GOVERNMENT SHOULD LEAD ON PESTICIDES, NOT EU - WILLIAMS

4.53.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 22nd Oct 2008

Roger Williams MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales and Liberal Democrat Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, has called on the UK Government to lead on pesticides, not the EU.

Mr Williams said:

"The EU Pesticides directive will see the use of many chemicals found in pesticides banned.

"I accept that these substances should be strictly regulated and that there are potentially more chemicals still on the market that may cause harm, but this directive is too wide ranging.

"Domestic governments should be responsible for drawing up their own national guidelines to ensure proper use of pesticides, reducing the volumes used and discouraging wasteful use - not the EU."

"It is essential that the UK Government undertake an impact assessment to ensure that these regulations will not be detrimental to British farming.

"British farming must be supported and the Government must be sure that suitable alternatives are available for those substances that will be banned in order that food production and food security can be maintained."

NOTES:

EU Directive 91/414/EEC governs the placing of pesticides on the market and requires each product to undergo a comprehensive risk assessment before being allowed onto the market.

Some estimates suggest that 80% of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides could be taken off the market.