§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what study has been made, and with what results, of the safety of feeding the drug clenbuterol to beef cattle; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesBefore any veterinary medicine can be marketed in the United Kingdom, it must first be licensed in accordance with the Medicines Act 1968. Licences are issued only after the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC)—an independent committee of scientists—has satisfied itself that the necessary standards of safety, quality and efficacy have been met. Clenbuterol is legally available in this country as the active ingredient of five prescription-only medicines, licensed for use in treating respiratory ailments in cattle and horses, and as an aid to cattle at the time of calving. These licences are currently being examined by the VPC as part of the ongoing review of veterinary pharmaceutical products.