HC Deb 21 November 1991 vol 199 cc295-6W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what tests have been carried out by his Ministry concerning the safety of bovine somatotropin and food products derived from it for humans; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

It is for licence applicants to undertake, in accordance with internationally accepted rules of good laboratory practice, all tests which are considered necessary to satisfy the licensing authority.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications for the use of bovine somatotropin he has received in each of the last three years and to date in 1991; if he will indicate in each case whether the applications have been refused, and how many are going through appeal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

No product licence applications were received during this period. One application for an animal test certificate was received in 1988: that application is currently the subject of an appeal to the Veterinary Products Committee which is minded to advise that it should not be granted.

In addition, applications to renew ATCs granted before 1988 were received in each of the years identified, and were granted. Applications to vary these ATCs were received in 1988, two; 1989, nine; 1990 seven; and 1991 to date, four; and have been granted.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the discussions in the EC about the continuation of the moratorium on the use of bovine somatotropin after 31 December; and when he expects a decision to be taken about its continuation.

Mr. Gummer

Progress made by the Commission with its report on the future use of BST was raised under other business at the Agriculture Council on 18–19 November. The Commission indicated that it expects to report to the Council within the next few weeks.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the research that has been considered by the Veterinary Products Committee concerning the effect of food produced by the use of bovine somatotropin on human health; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

The Committee has seen the results of research into the composition of milk from treated and untreated cows which identified minute differences in the average content of lipids, biotin, IGFI and BST. It has also seen the results of research into the effect of these four substances on humans and has taken advice from nutritional experts. It is satisfied that the widespread use of BST to increase milk yields would not adversely affect the health of consumers.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on the possible extension of the present EC ban on bovine somatotropin; and when he expects the matter to be further discussed at the Council of Ministers.

Mr. Maclean

The Commission has made no proposals for arrangements to apply after the current moratorium on the use of BST expires. If it does, my right hon. Friend will determine his policy according to the merit of the proposals. Progress made by the Commission with its report on the future use of BST was raised under other business at the Argiculture Council on 18–19 November. The Commission indicated that it expected to report to the Council within the next few weeks.