§ Ms CorstonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date the operative research protection group in her Department first received indications or evidence about adverse reaction following exposure by humans to organo-phosphate sheep dips.
§ Mr. SoamesThe operator protection group forms part of the pesticides and contaminants group of the Central Science Laboratory. It deals with potential hazards to operators arising from the use of pesticides. Sheep dips are classified as veterinary medicines and do not fall directly within the group's remit. Information on suspected adverse reactions to organophosphorus sheep dips is collected by the veterinary medicines directorate. The first suspected adverse reaction report recorded on the data base involving human exposure to an OP sheep dip was received by the VMD in July 1985.