HC Deb 16 December 1992 vol 216 cc240-1W
Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the names and numbers, if appropriate, of sheep dips which the veterinary medicines directorate has ordered to be withdrawn with effect from March 1993; and if he will make a statement on the reasons for this withdrawal.

Mr. Soames

The veterinary medicines directorate has not ordered the withdrawal of any sheep dip products. As part of the review of long-standing licensed sheep dips which is currently under way, companies have been asked to provide additional data on product ingredients. For the dips which contain phenols, a commercial decision not to provide the required data has apparently been taken on cost grounds. We understand that such products are therefore being reformulated so as to exclude phenols, or are being withdrawn from the market.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has yet received the report of the veterinary medicines directorate on organophosphorus sheep dips; when he will publish it; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the final advice expected from the independent Veterinary Products Committee following its review of licensed sheep dip products. The companies concerned have been asked to progress the additional work requested by the committee as quickly as possible. However the review will not be complete before mid-1993 at the earliest. The findings will be published in summary form.

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