§ 20. Dr. Stuttafordasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to ban the import of meat from countries where chloramphenicol is used to treat animals without veterinary supervision.
§ Mr. Peter MillsMy right hon. Friend does not consider such action is necessary at present on either health or environmental grounds but he is continuing to keep these matters under review.
§ Dr. StuttafordIs my hon. Friend aware that this drug is of paramount importance in the treatment of human typhoid and that its casual use abroad and subsequent importation in meat may well spread this organism, or other resistant organisms, in this country?
§ Mr. MillsI am aware of these problems and of my hon. Friend's anxiety, but we believe that there is only a slight degree of risk. It is a matter of degree.