The Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) was established in its current form in 1977 to advise ministers on all major issues relating to the control of pests. In particular, the law requires that the ACP be consulted about new regulations and any changes in the approval of pesticides. (Terms of Reference)

The Committee comprises a chairman, vice-chairman, and 19 members. Most of the members are selected to provide expertise in scientific disciplines relevant to the evaluation of pesticides (More). In addition, one member has expertise in organic farming, and there are two lay members, one with a special interest in consumer affairs, and one in environmental issues. The chairman of the ACP and the majority of its current members were appointed following a fair and open competition, in accordance with the principles and practice in the Commissioner for Public Appointments’ Code of Practice.

It is important that the ACP should be independent of the Government and the pesticide industry. In particular, the chairman should have no financial interests in the industry (e.g. through consultancies or shareholdings). Ideally, the same restriction would apply to all members, but at present this would seriously compromise the functioning of the Committee. This is because in some areas of science it is current standard practice for academic institutions to carry out work on contract for or sponsored by industry. Indeed such collaborations have been positively encouraged by Government. As a consequence, there may be no experienced scientists working in these areas who do not have links of some sort with the pesticide industry. Where their expertise is needed, such scientists are allowed to serve as members of ACP. However, they are required to declare all relevant interests, and where a declared interest bears on an item of business that is being discussed, they are only allowed to participate at the invitation of the chairman.