Sheep Dip (Hansard, 23 March 1989)

§ Dr. David Clark
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of his staff are currently working on the problems of the link between sheep dip and human health.

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
A precise number cannot be readily estimated but all my staff whose work relates to licensing or use of sheep dips ensure that the precautions needed to avoid hazards to human health are identified and understood.

§ Dr. David Clark
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what research he is conducting into the run-off of sheep dip into the Rivers North Tyne and South Tyne and its tributaries;
(2) what research he is conducting into the run-off of sheep dip into water courses.

§ Mr. Ryder
None. However, because sheep dip is potentially a serious pollutant my Department issued a press notice on 20 September 1988 to reinforce the guidance in ADAS booklet 2198 and to remind farmers and others of the need to take the greatest care in disposal. I am placing a copy of the press notice and booklet in the Library of the House.

§ Dr. David Clark
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he gives to farmers about the siting of sheep dip facilities on the edge of water courses; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
The Department's code on good agricultural practice, the free guide to the code, ADAS pamphlets p 593 and p 2332 and ADAS booklet 2198 all give advice on safe dipping and recommend farmers to seek guidance from local water authorities on the siting and construction of dip baths and soakaways.

§ Dr. David Clark
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he is conducting into the effects on human health of organochlorine compounds in sheep dip; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
None. No currently licensed sheep dips contain organochlorine compounds.

§ Dr. David Clark
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he is conducting into the effects of organophosphorous compounds in sheep dip on human health; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
My Department, with the Department of Health and the Health and Safety Executive, assesses all available data on the risks to human health from organophosphorus compounds which are the subject of applications for veterinary medicinal product licences. In addition, the HSE will be undertaking a study during the compulsory sheep scab dipping period this autumn. My Department also records and investigates all suspected adverse reactions to veterinary medicinal products, including sheep dips.