Monday, 19 April, 2004

Baldock: Suspend moth-spraying immediately

United Future's Larry Baldock, who was a prime mover behind securing the Wellington School of Medicine study into the health impacts of the West Auckland painted apple moth spray campaign, today called for the campaign to be suspended immediately, pending a full analysis of the report.

"It's simply not enough for biosecurity Minister Jim Sutton to label the study flawed and dismiss its findings of health risks.

"We're not talking about a report from some shonky, back-water group, we're talking about a report undertaken at considerable length by a reputable body, and commissioned by the Health Ministry.

"For that reason alone, the only responsible path is to take its findings seriously," Mr Baldock, United Future's environment spokesman, said.

"There is too much doubt here. The programme must be suspended immediately until there is clarity. The health of the public must be the over-riding concern," he said.

The next spray drop is scheduled for tomorrow.

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