HC Deb 20 October 1988 vol 138 cc1001-2W
25. Mr. Clay

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the current trials of the milk production hormone BST to end.

58. Mr. Cunliffe

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be able to announce the final results of the trials of the milk production hormone BST.

Mr. Ryder

These trials are being conducted by the companies concerned. Their purpose is primarily to produce evidence as to the efficacy of the products. This evidence will be presented to the Veterinary Products Committee which advises Ministers on applications for product licences. It is up to the companies to decide when to submit their evidence to the Veterinary Products Committee.

56. Mr. Martlew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he has received from the Veterinary Products Committee concerning the milk production hormone BST; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

The Veterinary Products Committee was consulted, as is required under the provisions of the Medicines Act 1968, concerning applications for animal test certificates for BST. It advised that it was completely satisfied with all aspects of the safety of BST. So the present trials are designed to assess not the safety of the product, but its efficacy under field conditions.

Two applications for product licences for BST have been received and these are being considered in accordance with the provisions of the Medicines Act and EC legislation.