§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what investigations and research her Department is carrying out in respect of organophosphorous chemicals used in sheep dips, and those used as insecticides that were sprayed on the British armed forces during the Gulf war; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleNone. However, the Health and Safety Executive, which is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment, has two on-going research projects involving organophosphorus sheep dips.
The Government receive independent scientific advice on the safety in use of sheep dips containing organophosphorus and other compounds from the Statutory Veterinary Products Committee. Following a review last year of the result of research they advised that organophosphorus sheep dips could continue to be marketed. In particular, they found no firm scientific evidence to support the association of chronic ill-health with exposure. Nevertheless, they recommended measures to reduce exposure to the dips and that further investigations be undertaken.
Earlier this year, the medical and scientific panel was set up as a sub-committee of the Veterinary Products Committee to evaluate current research, advise on additional work, advise on the suitability of projects submitted, and to report to the Veterinary Products Committee.
The medical effects of a large over-exposure to organophosphorus insecticides or sheep dips are well documented. Large over-exposures should not occur when the recommended precautions are taken.
The suggestion that organophosphorus insecticides were sprayed on the British armed forces during the Gulf War is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.