§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what experiments have been carried out into the effect on cattle of injection of bovine somatotropin; what representations he has received concerning the prospect of the milk of such cattle being included in the general pool for human consumption; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe data relating to experiments on the effect on cattle of injection of bovine somatotropin were submitted to my Department in support of applications for animal test certificates under the Medicines Act 1968. The Act prohibits the disclosure of such information.
So far this year hon. Members have asked five questions and have sent me letters from about 80 constituents.
About 180 members of the public (including some who had written to hon. Members) wrote to me directly.
As hon. Members already know, the Farm Animal Welfare Council has been asked to look at the wider welfare implications of using BST in cows and to produce a report. Their report, in addition to all the other information available to me, will he taken into account in reaching any decisions that fall to me under domestic or Community legislation.
§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the dangers arising from the use of bovine somatatropin in milk.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonCurrently field trials of bovine somatatropin are in progress authorised by animal test certificates granted under the Medicines Act 1968 by my Department. Before such certificates were granted, we were satisfied as to the safety of the consumer of milk or other produce from treated animals, among a number of other matters laid down in the Medicines Act. These questions were thoroughly scrutinised by a committee of independent experts including medical doctors as well as by my officials. Had doubts on this score been revealed, the certificates for the animal tests would not have been granted. Additionally, I have asked the Farm Animal Welfare Council for its advice on the animal welfare implications of this product.