Examination of Witness (Questions 280-285)
21 FEBRUARY 2004
PROFESSOR BARRY
DENT
Q280 Chairman: It still costs money.
The quite successful continental pesticide tax regimes have ploughed
the money back into the farming community, into the support that
is required to really drive down pesticide levels.
Professor Dent: I do not think
that sort of money is needed. In this country we are already equipped.
We have training money potentially from ERDP, it is there and
we can use it if we can tap into it properly. Also, we have an
Agronomist Advisory Service which is in place which farmers employ
themselves, they are very well trained and on a national professional
register. We already have those things in place, we do not need
to re-fund them.
Q281 Chairman: We are going to have to
vote, but if colleagues will not mind waiting for a minute or
so, I think it might be more appropriate if we let Professor Dent
conclude and then we can call our other witnesses. I want to ask
you, you spoke about not being involved sufficiently with Government
and you spoke about the Newcastle research begun without your
knowledge and now, as I understand it, you were not even consulted
or involved in the drafting of the Pesticide Strategy.
Professor Dent: That is not quite
true. I had the opportunity to comment on the first draft of that
strategy as a person, not necessarily representing the VI, so
I was able to make comments on that first draft. You can be absolutely
certain that the VI will be making an evidential response to the
current draft.
Q282 Chairman: Even though you are not
on the list of people to be consulted?
Professor Dent: Yes.
Q283 Chairman: You will do it?
Professor Dent: Yes.
Q284 Chairman: Do you see a role for
the VI within the Pesticide Strategy?
Professor Dent: Absolutely. I
think the strategy document sees an integrated role for VI. I
think we should see that as an opportunity now to re-evaluate
or re-work our position with Government, which I think both sides
are much more ready to do now.
Q285 Chairman: I am very grateful to
you for being willing to speak through the bells. Thank you very
much for coming and if, on reflection, there is anything you want
to add or change, please do let us know. Thank you very much indeed.
Professor Dent: If I may respond
to the earlier request.
Chairman: Yes, indeed, Bill Wiggin's
request for further information. Thank you very much.
The Committee suspended from 4.17pm to 4.36pm
for a division in the House.
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