§ 26. Dr. StoateTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to limit the use of antibiotic growth promoters in animals. [83873]
§ Mr. RookerThe Government supported a ban on the use of bacitracin zinc, virginiamycin, spiramcyin and tylosin phosphate as antibiotic growth promoters which was adopted by the Council of Agriculture Ministers on 17 December 1998. The implementation of the ban, which takes effect on 1 July 1999, will leave four antibiotic growth promoters authorised for use. We are satisfied that these are not related to any therapeutic antibiotics currently used in human or veterinary medicine. However, we shall continue to keep the issue under review and be advised by our specialist advisory committees.