HC Deb 05 March 1993 vol 220 cc311-2W
Mr. Hain

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many sheep were tested for organophosphate residues and with what results after the last compulsory dip.

Mr. Soames

The last compulsory sheep dip occurred between 22 September and 2 November 1991. In 1991, 82 samples of renal fat were taken from sheep under the national surveillance scheme and tested for residues of organophosphorus compounds. No residues above the maximum residue limits were detected. Sixty samples have been taken in 1992. Of the 48 analysed to date, no residues have been detected above the maximum residue limit.

Mr. Hain

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has of the amounts, expressed as appropriate, of the main generic compounds of(a) organophosphates, (b) organochlorines and (c) pyrethroides used or sold as sheep dip in Britain in each year since 1973.

Mr. Soames

The information requested is not readily available. I shall write to the hon. Member when it has been obtained.

Mr. Hain

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has regarding the possibility of organophosphorus compounds or their metabolites getting into and remaining in the flesh and/or offals of sheep dipped in MAFF-approved dips.

Mr. Soames

The licensing assessment carried out under the Medicines Act 1968 requires applicants to submit data demonstrating the persistence of residues of veterinary medicines in food-producing animals including sheep. Where necessary, withdrawal periods, i.e. the minimum time between completion of treatment and slaughter, are subsequently specified in product literature. The Animals, Meat, Meat products (Examination for Residues and Maximum Residue Limits) Regulations 1991 make it an offence to fail to observe these withdrawal periods.

In addition, Ministry veterinary staff undertake random sampling each year under the national surveillance scheme for monitoring residues of veterinary medicines in meat. No organophosphorus residues above the maximum residue limit have been detected in sheep meat under this surveillance programme in recent years.