Sheep Dips (Hansard, 17 February 1998)

§ Mr. Charles Kennedy
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what monitoring of the impact of synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips on(a) the aquatic environment,(b) the soil environment and (c) fisheries (i) has been carried out and (ii) is planned by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [29733]

§ Mr. Macdonald
[holding answer 16 February 1998]: The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, which is responsible for monitoring the aquatic environment in Scotland, carry out targeted monitoring to assess the impact of sheep-dip compounds, including synthetic pyrethroids on the chemical quality of the aquatic environment. No monitoring is carried out in respect of the soil environment. The effect on fisheries is covered by the monitoring of the aquatic environment.
580W
The draft Groundwater regulations, published for consultation in liaison with the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on 12 January 1998 specify additional monitoring requirements for groundwater.

§ Mr. Charles Kennedy
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice his Department gives to farmers on the disposal of synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips. [29731]

§ Mr. Macdonald
[holding answer 16 February 1998]: Advice on the handling of sheep dips, including their safe disposal, must be given on the label of every product. Comprehensive advice is also provided in the Government leaflet, "Sheep dipping". A new edition of the leaflet is in preparation and will be sent to all known sheep farmers. Advice is also contained in the Department's Code of Good Practice for the Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activity.
In addition, a Certificate of Competence is required by all purchasers of OP dips. This is organised by the National Proficiency Tests Council and includes confirmation of competence in disposal. While currently required only for the purchase of OP dips, the Government have accepted the advice of the Veterinary Products Committee that certification should be extended to cover the purchase of non-OP dips including those containing synthetic pyrethroids. We are currently consulting on the change in legislation necessary to achieve this.