§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many complaints have been received by his Department about allergic reactions caused by the use of sheepdips containing organophosphorus pesticide in each of the last five years.
§ Mrs. Currie; We received one complaint in 1987 involving two people. None was received in the previous four years.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to investigate the possible link between allergic reactions and the use of sheepdips containing organophosphorus pesticides; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have been asked to reply.
Organophosphorus sheepdips are subject to the licensing requirements of the Medicines Act 1968. A licence is issued only after the licensing authority is satisfied as to the safety, efficacy and quality of the product concerned. Safety includes the safety of operators handling the product. In licensing veterinary medicines, the licensing authority is advised by the veterinary products committee, a statutory body of independent experts in human and animal health.
All organophosphorus sheepdips contain warnings on the labels and accompanying literature to ensure that operators are aware of the dangers and take appropriate precautions.
Suspect adverse reactions to organophosphorus sheepdips should be reported to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and to the Health and Safety Executive. All such reports are investigated.
As with many other types of chemical compounds, there are some people who are allergic to organophosphorus compounds. Anyone who is known to be allergic to organophosphorus sheepdips is advised to use alternative licensed products.