HL Deb 18 May 1993 vol 545 cc83-4WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have awarded any major grants to chemical manufacturers for research and development of alternatives to organophosphate sheep dips, and; if not, whether they propose to do so.

Earl Howe

The Government has not awarded any grants to chemical manufacturers to assist with the development of alternatives to organophosphate sheep dips. However, the Government is supporting work on developing an immunological alternative to sheep dips and has been actively seeking joint funding with industry on alternatives to sheep dips under the LINK scheme. The extent to which such products are developed, promoted or brought on to the market is entirely a matter of commercial judgment for the veterinary pharmaceutical industry.