The Advisory Committee on Pesticides provides independent advice to Ministers on matters relating to the regulation and use of pesticides, including applications for approval of new products and reviews of existing approvals.It usually meets in closed session (because of intellectual property and commercial secrecy considerations) approximately six times a year in York.
Those present:
Deputy Chairman: Dr Andy Povey
Members: Prof C Brown; Dr J Cocker; Mr R Davis; Ms J Dean; Mr D Finnegan; Dr M Hare;Dr C Harris; Mr P Jackson; Prof T Lock; Dr C Morris; Prof C Ockleford; Prof K Palmer; Dr W Parker; Prof R Shore; Dr S Waring; Dr S Wilkinson.
Apologies: Prof G M Hawksworth; Prof P Matthiessen; Dr A Smith
Written comments received from: Prof P Matthiessen
Representatives from the following Departments and other organisations were present: Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Northern Ireland (AFBINI ); The Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD ); Health & Safety Executive (HSE ); Health Protection Agency (HPA ).
In opening the meeting, the Deputy Chairman welcomed new members to the Committee. Members wished both Prof Hawksworth and Prof Ayres a speedy recovery from their current illnesses.
At its meeting on 13 March 2012 the Committee discussed the following issues:
1. Agenda Item 1: Minutes and Detailed record of discussion
1.1 a) 352nd Meeting: Minutes [ACP 1 (354/2012)]
1.1.1 Agreed as drafted. (link to minutes of 352nd meeting)
1.2 b) 352nd Meeting:Detailed record of discussion [ACP 2 (354/2012)]
1.2.1 Agreed subject to minor amendments
2. Agenda Item 2:Secretary’s Report[ACP 3 (354/2012)]
2.1 The Secretary to the Committee reported on the recommendations made at previous meetings.
3. Agenda Item 3: Matters arising [ACP 5 (354/2012)]
3.1.1 The Secretary reported on matters arising from previous meetings.
4. Agenda Items 4, 5 & 6 Pesticide Incidents Appraisal Panel (PIAP) Report [ACP 7 (354/2012)]; Human Health Incidents Report [ACP 8 9354/2012)]; National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) Report [ACP 14 9354/2012)]
4.1 Members received reports from the three reporting schemes. Although each provide slightly different coverage, they agreed that it would be beneficial if it were possible to identify common data between the schemes.
4.2 Members confirmed the purpose of the reports is two-fold: to identify emergent problems so that steps can be taken to deal with them and to provide reassurance to help alleviate public anxiety.
4.3 Members noted a number of possible issues.
4.3.1 Members suggested the data on incidents attributed to boom sprayers being used in windy conditions be discussed with NRSO.
4.3.2 The Committee noted there was an increase in incidents involving aluminium phosphide.
4.3.3 Members agreed that continued reports involving paraquat were of concern.
4.3.4 It was noted that over half the reports in NPIS involved children under four years of age. Members suggested that the packaging of the products involved could be checked for appropriateness.
5. Agenda Item 7: Bystander Risk Assessment Working Group (BRAWG) Report
5.1 Members agreed that this was a thorough technical report.
5.2 They considered that the terminology was not very accessible to a lay reader and that the executive summary should be carefully drafted to address this.
5.3 The Committee agreed that greater transparency regarding areas of uncertainty and limitations would be helpful.
5.4 Members suggested some drafting changes and noted that the report would be discussed at the Committee on Toxicity (CoT ) meeting to be held on 20 March.The Working Group will consider any amendments suggested and update the draft report.
6. Agenda Item 8: The Open Meeting 2012 [ACP 6 (354/2012)]
6.1 Members agreed that the 2012 ACP Open Meeting should be held on 12 November 2012. Possible topics were discussed.
7. Agenda Item 9: The Annual Report 2011 [ACP 13 (354/2012)]
7.1 Members suggested some drafting changes, and would comment further by email. A further draft should be circulated to Members for approval before publication.
8. Agenda Item 10:Date of next meeting
8.1 ACP 355 on Tuesday 15 May 2012 at 11 am in Foss House, York.
9. Agenda Item 11: Any other business
9.1 Pesticide Recycling Container Workshop [ACP 19 (354/2012)]
9.1.1 One Member would attend to represent the ACP.
9.2 Consultation on the future of the ACP [ACP 22 (354/2012)]
9.2.1 The Committee discussed the consultation on the future of the ACP recently launched by Defra . The Secretary agreed to draft a response based on the discussion for further consideration by email.
9.3 Letter from Chief Scientist on scientific advisory committees [ACP 24 (354/2012)]
9.3.1 Members considered correspondence from the Chief Scientist and emphasised the importance of both their independent role and the perception of stakeholders. They agreed to consider a draft response to the letter and include possible views from the recently retired ACP Chairman.
9.4 Members considered items for information received since the last Meeting.
A C Povey
15 May 2012
