§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licences have been issued for experimental injections of bovine somatotropin into cows; what is the number of cows covered by such licences and the length of period of licensing; and what proportion of British cows' milk is likely to originate from the farms licensed to use bovine somatotropin.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonAnimal test certificates authorising trials of bovine somatotropin have been issued under the Medicines Act 1968 to three companies. These certificates are normally issued for a period of two years and are renewable. The certificates currently granted permit the treatment of a maximum of 1,130 cows. However, the number of cows treated at any one time is likely to be less than this, information relating to the proportion of milk originating from farms involved in the trials is not available.
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to which countries of the European Economic Community allow the experimental use of bovine somatotropin.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonInformation is not available for all member states of the EC as there is no requirement to notify the Commission of trials taking place. Nevertheless, it is understood that bovine somatotropin has been tested in Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain.
§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has as to whether artificial bovine somatotropin has been tested on humans and found to be safe.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonBefore the certificates for trials of BST were granted the applications were considered by the veterinary products committee which was satisfied that the use of this product in trials in milk cows would cause no risks to human health. No information has since become available which would cast any doubt on the evidence considered at that time.