§ 26. Mr. Keyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the level of professional veterinary care and monitoring of fish farms producing food for human consumption with specific reference to the use of antibiotics under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Medicines Act 1968; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerMedicinal products containing antibiotics as an active ingredient for use on fish are subject to the same requirements of the Medicines Act 1968 as are other animal medicines. Ministers responsible for licensing medicinal products must satisfy themselves as to the products' safety, quality and efficacy. Safety for the consumer is also taken into consideration where there is a possibility of residues in animals including fish produced for food. My Department is conducting a survey to assess levels of antimicrobial agents in the edible tissues of trout.