§ Lord Stanley of Alderleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made or will be made to develop satisfactory bloom dipping of sheep to ensure that the regulations are better enforced at less cost to the taxpayer bearing in mind the reply given by the Government on 7th February 1984 (col. 1134) that such work was being undertaken at the Central Veterinary Laboratory and whether they are aware of the work that is being done by the Government of the Irish Republic to produce a satisfactory bloom dip.
§ Lord BelsteadThe Central Veterinary Laboratory continues to undertake tests on products which might enable dipped and undipped sheep to be easily distinguished, and which will not persist and result in discoloured wool when sheared and washed.
We are aware of the work being undertaken in the Irish Republic. However, we understand that their results have not so far achieved a degree of success which would enable any products to be successfully applied in our circumstances.