HL Deb 04 May 1995 vol 563 c123WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether research into the chronic effects on human health of exposure to organophosphate sheep dips is being carried out by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down.

Lord Henley

This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.

Letter to the Countess of Mar from the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency dated 4 May 1995:

Your question about whether research into organophosphate sheep dips is being carried out by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) at Porton Down has been passed to me to reply as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). DERA which was formed on 1 April 1995 now includes CBDE as one of its divisions.

CBDE is not currently conducting any research into the chronic effects on health of organophosphate sheep dips. CBDE is aware that the HSE, MAFF and the Department of Health are presently attempting to set up a study into the long term health effects of the organophosphates used in sheep dips and in conjunction with the University of Bristol submitted tender proposals for the contract. This was not accepted and the study has now been readvertised. CBDE is considering whether to reapply.

I hope this is helpful.