Two new members have been added to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides (ACP) by minister for rural affairs and local environment quality Alun Michael.

Rosaline Howell, a senior lecturer in environmental and geographical sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University, has been appointed as a new lay member for the committee's environment post.

Diane McCrea is an independent consultant in food and consumer affairs and is the new lay member for the coimmittee's consumer post.

The ACP advises government on all matters relating to the safe and effective control of pests. Its membership provides a range of medical and environmental expertise independent of government and the agrochemical industry.