§ The Countess of Marasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Donoughue on 16 July (WA 39), whether the follow-up of (a) individuals who have reported suspected adverse reactions to exposure to organophosphate sheep dips; or (b) those on whose behalf reports have been made by medical practitioners could be conducted by the Veterinary Products Committee without breach of confidentiality. [HL2873]
§ Lord DonoughueThe Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) would be the relevant body to conduct any follow-up, as it operates the Suspected Adverse Reactions Surveillance Scheme (SARSS). There is nothing to prevent the VMD from making further contact with individuals who have reported suspected adverse reactions due to exposure to an OP sheep dip or medical practitioners who have submitted reports on their patients' behalf. The working group established by the Presidents of the Royal College of Physicians of London and the Royal College of Psychiatrists is expected to make recommendations on the design of clinical studies recommended by the Veterinary Products Committee. In the event that these recommendations include follow-up of reports made under SARSS, this could be undertaken by VMD or, with permission of the individuals concerned, by another body.