Lead member
Lord Whitty
Labour, Life peer
Lords
Decision
Withdrawn
The amendment was withdrawn after debate and no decision was taken on it.
Amendment text
After Clause 72
Insert the following new Clause—
“Air quality and human health in rural areas: application of pesticides
(1)
The Secretary of State must by regulations make provision prohibiting the application of pesticides for the purposes of agriculture or horticulture near—
(a)
buildings used for human habitation, and
(b)
public or private buildings and associated open spaces where members of the public may be present, including but not limited to—
(i)
schools and childcare nurseries, and
(ii)
hospitals and health care facilities.
(2)
Regulations under subsection (1) must specify a minimum distance from any of the locations listed under subsection (1) to be maintained during the application of any pesticide.
(3)
In determining the distance in subsection (2) the Secretary of State must be guided by the optimum distance that would make a significant difference in air quality for people using the locations listed in subsection (1).
(4)
In this section “public building” includes any building used for the purpose of education.
(5)
Regulations under this section are subject to the affirmative procedure.”
Member’s explanatory statement
In order to improve air quality and thereby protect human health and the environment in rural areas, this new Clause would require the Secretary of State to make regulations to prohibit the application of chemical pesticides near buildings and open spaces used by residents and members of the public.