§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has evaluated of the effects of Droplix on(a) cats and (b) their owners. [14856]
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 7 February 1997]: All data associated with applications for marketing authorisations for veterinary medicinal products, including all relevant research information, are very carefully assessed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. No veterinary medicine is authorised for use unless it meets stringent statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy, and the Government are advised on this by the independent scientific Veterinary Products Committee. Safety includes the health and welfare of the animal and the safety of the user of the product. Details of data submitted in support of particular products are subject to the confidentiality requirements of section 118 of the Medicines Act 1968.
§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will immediately suspend the licence of the organophosphate-based flea killer Droplix. [14855]
§ Mrs. Browning[holding answer 7 February 1997]: The Veterinary Medicines Directorate has carefully monitored the withdrawal from the market by the marketing authorisation holder of the defective batches number 21–42 of Droplix Cat and 17–27 of Droplix Dog. The VMD continues to monitor the situation very closely and there is no reason to suspend the marketing authorisation.