To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the Government's proposals for a pesticide tax. [79472]

The Government have received a number of representations on the subject of a possible tax or charge on the use of pesticides.A research report commissioned by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on the possible design and impact of a tax or charge on pesticides was published on 24 March, with a list of consultative questions. The Government will consider carefully the views expressed on a number of issues raised in the report in deciding how best to proceed.