§ Mr. SpellerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many reports of damage to farm workers following exposure to organophosphorous sheep dips he has received in the last six months; and whether he has received any similar reports relating to other types of sheep dip.
§ Mr. MacleanBetween 1 January and 30 June 1991, seven reports of suspected adverse reactions to sheep dips involving farmers and farm workers have been received by the veterinary medicines directorate. Six involved organophosphorous compounds and one a nonorganophosphorous compound. The reports cover incidents which occurred between July 1985 and April 1990. All are being followed up.
In addition, we have received 18 brief reports from the National Poisons Centre which our officials are also investigating. We are not yet able to say whether these reports include duplicates of those mentioned, specifically involve farmers or farm workers, or relate to the use of organophosphorous compounds.