HC Deb 22 April 1991 vol 189 cc360-1W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many sheep carcases were tested in the past five years for organophosphates residues, expressed as a percentage of all sheep slaughtered.

Mr. Curry

In the five years 1986–90, 889 sheep carcases were tested for organophosphate residues which represents a little over 0.001 per cent. of the number slaughtered but about 1 per cent. of the number of sheep flocks in the United Kingdom. No levels hazardous to human health have been found, but should that situation change a more intensive sampling regime would be introduced.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what investigations he is conducting into possible contamination by organophosphates of water supplies, sheepmeat and farm and market workers.

Mr. Maclean

Organophosphorus pesticides generally decompose rapidly within the environment and are not normally expected to reach water. All water companies have been asked to consult ADAS about the use of all pesticides within their water supply areas. Companies have drawn up lists for monitoring purposes of those pesticides which are likely to reach water supplies. In some areas this list includes organophosphorus pesticides. The results of monitoring have not indicated problems with these pesticides.

Monitoring for organophosphorus residues in United Kingdom-produced sheepmeat is carried out under the national surveillance scheme. The results for 1989 are included in the recently published annual report of the veterinary medicines directorate. No residues were found above the advisory maximum limit.

The Health and Safety Executive has commissioned a three-year research project into the frequency and severity of acute pesticide poisoning incidents, including organophosphorus and whether they can result in long-term health effects. The executive also surveyed 25 sheep dipping sites during 1990 to ascertain the health effects of exposure to sheep dips and in particular to those containing organophosphorus.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is planning to introduce new regulations or recommendations on the use and disposal of sheep dip.

Mr. Maclean

It is already an offence under the Water Act 1989 to pollute a watercourse. In 1988 and 1989 four farmers were prosecuted for sheep dip pollution incidents. No further regulations are planned.

Under the Medicines Act 1968, sheep dip products must be licensed before they can be marketed. Existing licensed sheep dip products are currently subject to review by scientists in the veterinary medicines directorate to ensure that the most up-to-date safety standards apply. The review must be completed this year under EC rules. Any sheep dip products which fail to meet these standards will have their licences revoked.

New guidance notes on disposal are currently being prepared by the VMD and will be available in July. A code of good agricultural practice for the protection of water is also being prepared by the Ministry, which will include advice about use and disposal of sheep dip. This will also be published in July.