§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up an inquiry into the possible link between the growth factor IGF-1 in milk and breast cancer and prostate and colon cancer; and if he will make a statement. [86424]
§ Mr. RookerA Working Group of the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) has considered human and animal safety aspects of the use of recombinant bovine26W somatotropin in dairy cows, including the effects of IGF-1. The Group has completed its task and is reporting its findings to the VPC. The VPC will advise Ministers when it has considered the report and it is our intention to publish the VPC's advice.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has conducted into the effects on human health of using genetically engineered growth hormones to stimulate the production of milk. [86484]
§ Mr. RookerAn applicant wishing to obtain authorisation to market such a product must satisfy statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy under veterinary medicines legislation. It is for the applicant to provide the necessary research data to meet these requirements. There is a moratorium in the European Union on the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (BST), which is to be reconsidered by the end of this year. The moratorium allows member states to carry out limited practical tests to obtain any further scientific data that might be taken into account by the Council of Ministers when taking a final decision. No such tests have been conducted in the UK.