The proposed EEC limits on pesticide residues in tobacco were reviewed. These will present control requirements for the future for those exporting tobacco and tobacco products to Europe. In Australia, where current levels are much higher than any anticipated legi lation could envisage, efforts will need to be initiated to reduce the contamination in advance of any foreseen Government activity. One further threat to the industry which is now developing concerns the objections by local authorities to the odours attributed to tobacco factories. This problem is a live issue in a number of countries and work is going on in all of them to find a solution.
Complaints can arise from smells both outside and inside factory premises.
The Group's need for further research on tobacco growing was reviewed. Work was proposed for Brazil on pre-harvest curing, particularly as related to Burley tobacco. In the U.S., Becker is expected to report that glycoproteins in tobacco can cause allergic reactions possibly both in the smoker and the passive smoker. This'is being examined in the U.S. by Savaggio. Many workers in sophisticated laboratories in the Group are now using advanced scientific equipment which can be of intdrest to their colleagues in other locations.