§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what correspondence he has on the subject of the Veterinary Products Committee's response to the Health and Safety executive's research report (NO 74/1995) on the neurological effects of sheep dip; and if he will make a statement. [33772]
§ Mrs. BrowningMy right hon. and learned Friend's predecessor received a letter from the chairman of the Veterinary Products Committee, submitting its advice following consideration of the report from the Institute of Occupational Health, commissioned by the Health and Safety executive. A copy of that letter, together with the committee's advice, is in the Library of the House. We have received no other correspondence on the VPC's response.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to aid the introduction of alternatives to organophosphate sheep dips. [33774]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe development of alternatives to organophosphorus sheep dips is a commercial matter for the veterinary pharmaceutical industry. The Government have previously made it clear that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate will do all it can to complete assessments of such products expeditiously and that when they contain new active ingredients, it will also strive to speed the necessary approval of maximum residue limits through the EC Committee on Veterinary Medicinal Products. That remains the case. A number of alternatives non-organophosphorus products are now available.