Written question asked by Iain Wright (Labour) on Thursday, 19 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 January 2006. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 30 January 2006 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Pesticides

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what action her Department is taking to help stop foreign farm workers from being exposed to dangerous pesticides.

Answer: UK pesticide and health and safety legislation provide a high degree of protection to all those, irrespective of their origin, whose work in the UK requires them to handle or use pesticides. Specific guidance is given in the Statutory Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products.In addition a number of other schemes have been established to protect the health and safety of migrant workers. These include the recently revised Seasonal Workers' Scheme (SAWS) operated by the Home Office and the establishment of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) and its supporting legislation. The GLA will look specifically at health and safety issues as part of their inspection of labour providers and any breaches of Health and Safety legislation will be referred to the relevant body.

Secondary information