Massive response    

Over eight hundred people have responded to the UK Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) public consultations on access to information about crop-spraying, and buffer zones in residential areas (see PN61). People living near sprayed areas, and users of rights of way, should have the right to know what the contaminants are to which they are exposed. No-spray buffer zones next to people's homes are also essential. The PSD is preparing the consultation responses on buffer zones for publication early in the new year. Please write to your MP to: 

• Ask him or her to contact the Minister (Alun Michael) urgently regarding your concerns over these issues
• Ensure that a formal public consultation is held on the access to information issues.

Copies of PAN UK's consultation responses are available on request and on our website.

[This article first appeared in Pesticides News No. 62, December 2003, page 15]