HC Deb 04 December 1981 vol 14 c267W
Miss Maynard

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the fact that all hormones have a negative effect on quality and, in varying degrees, present carcinogenic risks and the risk of morphological changes, he will consider a total prohibition of their use as growth-promoters; and if he will give the reasons which have led him to give his first priority in this connection to the restriction of stilbenes and thyrostatic substances.

Mrs. Fenner

Products containing thyrostatic substances have never been licensed for use in this country. The restrictions on Stilbenes—additional to those already operating in the United Kingdom—were adopted by the Council of Ministers on 21 July. Also following upon this decision the five hormonal substances used in growth promotion products licensed in this country will undergo further scientific assessment by the Commission in Brussels. There is no evidence to justify further prohibitions.