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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to regulate Chlorothalonil and other fungicides after research from Cornell University showed the link between Chlorothalonil and other fungicides to the decline in bee populations.

All pesticides, including chlorothalonil and other fungicides, are subject to a stringent authorisation process before they can be placed on the market and used. Active substances are approved at EU level if they meet safety requirements and approvals are regularly reviewed. The UK is responsible for authorising products containing approved active substances. This involves a thorough assessment of the scientific evidence. If the risks to people or to the environment are unacceptable, the pesticide is not authorised. Possible risks to bees are considered in this process.