To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the research work which he has commissioned in connection with his pesticide minimisation policy; what are the terms of reference of that research; and if he will publish the results of the research. [67103]

My Department has commissioned several research projects in connection with the pesticide minimisation policy including: a study into the private costs and benefits of pesticide minimisation, carried out by RPA and Entec; an assessment of a range of economic instruments for pesticide minimisation, carried out by ECOTEC Research and Consulting; and research into the design of a tax/charge scheme for pesticides, also carried out by ECOTEC Research and Consulting. This last research considers the detailed design and potential impact of a charge or tax intended primarily to secure reductions in pesticide use, better targeting and substitution by less harmful pesticides or alternative techniques. A decision concerning publishing the results of this report will be made in due course.