Sheep Dips (Hansard, 26 June 1995)

§ Mr. Ron Davies
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice his Department has issued on the safe use by farmers and farm workers of organophosphorus sheep dips. [30962]

§ Mr. Gwilym Jones
The Government have issued numerous press releases and guides for information, the latest being the revised booklet on sheep dipping published in March this year.

§ Mr. Davies
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidance his Department has issued to Welsh farmers about the use of pyrethoid based sheep dips in preference to organophosphorus sheep dips. [30964]

§ Mr. Jones
The current booklet giving advice on sheep dipping provides information on the reasons for treating sheep and which licensed products are effective against particular parasites. The information includes alternatives to organophosphorus dips, but no specific advice has been given as this is a matter for individual farmers to decide in the light of their particular circumstances and in consultation with their veterinary adviser.

§ Mr. Davies
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research his Department has undertaken in the last five years into possible links between organophosphorus sheep dips and(a) physical and (b) mental health problems; and what was the outcome. [30963]

§ Mr. Jones
Government agricultural research and development relating to Wales and England is undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Welsh Office discusses research and development programmes with the Ministry of Agriculture before they are implemented. The Government have accepted the recommendation of the veterinary products committee for 533W epidemiological studies into possible long-term effects of using organophosphorus sheep dips, and proposals for studies are currently being considered.

§ Mr. Ron Davies
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what research his Department has undertaken in the last five years evaluating the effectiveness of protective clothing worn by farmers and farm workers when using organophosphorus sheep dips; and what was the outcome. [30961]

§ Mr. Jones
Research on the effectiveness of protective clothing used whilst dipping sheep has been undertaken by the Health and Safety Executive. It was found that where protective clothing was worn it reduced exposure very substantially in comparison with situations where it was not worn. Information on the use and care of protective clothing is set out in the Government's guidance on sheep dipping.