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Pesticides Safety Directorate (Performance Targets 2008-09)

The Minister for Marine, Landscape and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Chatham and Aylesford (Jonathan Shaw) announced on 26 March 2008, Official Report, column 9WS, that following a public consultation, Ministers had agreed that the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) should join the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) from 1 April 2008. Under this arrangement, strategic policy responsibility for pesticides remains with DEFRA Ministers with the operational responsibility for pesticides delegated to the HSE. In retaining ministerial responsibility for pesticides, I have set PSD the following performance targets for 2008-09."To evaluate pesticide approval applications and applications for detergent derogations according to published targets and fees and contribute effectively to the European programme of reviews and the development of internationally harmonised procedures.""To develop and implement policies which take forward the UK pesticide strategy through consultation, negotiation, better regulation and effective communication.""To monitor use of pesticides, the impact, fate and behaviour of these chemicals and undertake consistent, proportionate and effective enforcement activity to promote safe storage, use and disposal.""To manage all our resources effectively, to recover the full cost of our operations from the industry and DEFRA and to contribute to the Government's efficiency agenda." Further details are given in the ““Pesticides Safety Directorate Three-year Business Plan 2008-11: Year 2008-09””, copies of which will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.