asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether, prior to the start of the spraying season, they will circulate to all arable farmers clear and simple advice about the appropriate times and methods for spraying their crops. with toxic chemicals, together with warnings about penalties for spraying under inappropriate conditions.

The appropriate times arid methods for spraying each pesticide are readily available to farmers at all times on the product's label. General advice to fanners on appropriate spraying conditions is also provided in the statutory code of practice for the safe use of pesticides on farms and holdings. Given the professional way with which the great majority of arable farmers use pesticides, we have no plans to remind them of these requirements or provide warnings about the penalties involved for spraying under inappropriate conditions prior to the start of the spraying season.