HC Deb 01 November 1988 vol 139 c594W
Mr. Hood

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the incidence of cancers from overexposure to pesticides used in sheep dipping.

Mrs. Currie

We are not aware of any epidemiological studies into the possibility that over exposure to sheep dips, or exposure in proper use, has increased the incidence of cancer among those working with the dips. Sheep dips are licensed under the Medicines Act 1968 on the recommendation of the Veterinary Products Committee and are tested and assessed in accordance with the licensing conditions to exclude any product that would be carcinogenic. The major risk factor associated with cancer continues to be cigarette smoking.