Written question asked by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 January 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 January 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 January 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To 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. - Inc ref to Dec 2003/199/EC.

Answer: Andrew George: To 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 Michael: Council 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.

Secondary information