Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he is taking to ensure that the Health and Safety Executive maintains up to date standards for pesticides.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) makes decisions on whether to approve pesticides based on a careful scientific assessment of the risks, with the aim of achieving a high level of protection for people and the environment in line with regulatory requirements.

HSE uses a number of mechanisms to assure its decisions are based on up-to-date standards including:

- Using internal HSE scientific expertise. This includes internal peer reviews as well as review meetings involving senior leaders not directly involved in the decision,

- Drawing on independent scientific advice from groups such as the Expert Committee on Pesticides as necessary, and

- Where appropriate, using public consultations and calls for evidence, allowing further evidence that may be relevant to be submitted and considered as part of the decision-making process.