Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the European Food Safety Authority on the effect of neonicotinoid pesticides on other pesticides; and if he will make a statement.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is currently reviewing data on neonicotinoids. The UK continues to play an active part in the EFSA review which is due to be completed soon. The areas covered in these discussions are led by EFSA’s consideration of this data and Member State experts provide scientific input on the questions raised.

Pesticides that carry unacceptable risks to pollinators should not be authorised. The Government keeps the developing evidence on neonicotinoids under review, advised by the UK Expert Committee on Pesticides. On the basis of current available evidence, we support the existing restrictions. In the light of proposals from the European Commission to remove most of the current uses of neonicotinoids we are reviewing the evidence and are considering our position.