Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons have been prosecuted for the use of clenbuterol, known as angel dust, in livestock; how many such prosecutions are pending; what further controls of the abuse of clenbuterol he proposes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleySix persons have been prosecuted under the Medicines Act 1968 for the illegal administration of clenbuterol. No prosecutions are pending.
286WNew powers to control the abuse of clenbuterol and other illegal substances are available under the Animals, Meat and Meat Products (Examination for Residues and Maximum Residue Limits) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992 which came into operation on 27 February 1992.
The most important new control is the power to condemn live animals which are found to contain residues of clenbuterol or other illegal substances.
The meat inspection authorities will employ these new powers to the full in their efforts to stamp out the use of illegal drugs by cattle producers.