§ Sir Cranley OnslowTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, for Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that farmers and land owners in England and Wales are aware of the danger to the environment involved in the use of sheep dips based on synthetic pyrethroids. [6256]
§ Mrs. BrowningNo veterinary medicine is authorised for use unless it meets stringent statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy. Safety includes risk to the environment. The Government are advised on this by the independent scientific veterinary products committee. Warnings on the labels for synthetic pyrethroid dips include
"Disposal: the product is dangerous to fish. It is unlawful to permit any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter to enter any river, stream or watercourse. Guidelines giving advice on safe disposal of pesticides and their containers are available from the Agricultural Departments.Copies of current guidelines have been placed in the Library of the House.