§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has about the impact of the cultivation of oil seed rape on human health or allergies; and if his Department will sponsor any research on this subject.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythAlthough oil seed rape pollens have been identified as a cause of allergic reactions in some individuals there are at present no medical grounds for distinguishing their effects from those of the pollens of other plants and trees. A range of medicines is available for the treatment of such allergic conditions.
The Scottish Office will give favourable consideration to any soundly based relevant research proposal.