HL Deb 23 February 1989 vol 504 cc847-8WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that milk from cows treated with bovine somatotropin is so labelled, so that consumers may exercise their right not to consume it if they wish.

The Earl of Dundee

Milk from cows treated with bovine somatotropin is no different from other cows' milk so this is not a reason to require it to be treated differently.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they can state that they are advised there is not, and cannot be, any risk to human health from bovine somatotropin.

The Earl of Dundee

Bovine somatotropin occurs naturally in all milk and always has done.

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food discussed bovine somatotropin with the Treasury, in the light of possible effects on agricultural subsidies.

The Earl of Dundee

No. If bovine somatotropin were to be licensed it would not affect the level at which milk quotas are set and would therefore not affect support expenditure in the milk sector.