HL Deb 13 June 1996 vol 572 cc180-1WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer given by Lord Lucas on 4th June (WA116) how members of the two Houses of Parliament may gain access to research carried out by commercial suppliers of treatments for warble fly.

Lord Lucas

Under Section 118 of the Medicines Act 1968 all information received by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate from commercial companies in support of marketing authorisations is held in commercial confidence. Further information should therefore be sought directly from the companies concerned.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether at any time since the introduction of warble fly treatments they have commissioned any research into the possible effects on cattle and humans; and, if so, with what results.

Lord Lucas

Treatment of animals infested with warble fly has been compulsory since 1978, although warble fly treatments were available before this. No research into the effects of warble fly treatments on cattle and humans has been commissioned by the Government since then and there are no plans to do so. Before they may be marketed in the UK, all veterinary medicines, including treatments for warble fly, must be authorised in accordance with EC and UK legislation. This requires the assessment of research and other data provided by applicant companies against statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy to ensure that the products are safe and effective when used in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.