To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he next plans to revise guidelines to farmers on the spraying of pesticides near schools and residences. (287819)

The Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products includes advice to farmers on spraying pesticides near schools and residences.

Two new pieces of European legislation governing the system for pesticides are likely to come into force in 2011; a Regulation on pesticide authorisations that is largely an updating of the existing European regime, and a directive on the sustainable use of pesticides that will establish a framework to promote best practice in the storage, use and disposal of pesticides.

The Government plan to hold a public consultation this autumn on a range of options for the implementation of this new legislation. Once we have agreed our approach to national legislation and guidance, we will revise the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products.