HL Deb 16 March 1998 vol 587 cc96-7WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to revise the leaflet Sheep Dipping issued jointly by the Health and Safety Executive, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Department of the Environment in December 1995; and, if so, whether they will ensure that liaison takes place between the Department of Health, the British Medical Association and the providers of laboratory facilities, as well as dipping contractors, as to the feasibility of the current advice on health surveillance. [HL946]

Lord Donoughue

Yes, the leaflet has been revised and updated. The revised version was issued on 12 March and copies are being sent to all known sheep farmers. I will send the noble Countess a copy and copies will be placed in the Library of the House. Guidance in the leaflet sets out a step by step approach to the treatment of sheep against ectoparasites and emphasises the precautions which should be used to minimise the risk to dippers and to the environment. Dippers and their employers are strongly advised to follow the advice in the leaflet and on sheep dip labels.

The leaflet is published jointly by the Health and Safety Executive, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Environment Agencies. The Department of Health and representatives of sheep farmers and dipping contractors were consulted during the revision of the leaflet.