HL Deb 25 January 1996 vol 568 c83WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What standards of efficacy for organophosphate sheep dips are required by the licensing authority; whether these standards have been changed since these products were first licensed under the Medicines Act 1968; and, if so, why were they changed and what changes were involved.

Lord Lucas

While dipping for sheep scab with an approved product was compulsory it was necessary for products to show 100 per cent. protection for three weeks against the infestation and be designated "Scab Approved". Now that dipping is no longer compulsory, and in accordance with EC guidelines for efficacy testing of ectoparasiticides, more than 90 per cent. effectiveness against mange mites, including Povis, now has to be demonstrated. This excludes Sarcoptes scabiei, for which 100 per cent. efficacy is still required. Responsibility rests with the applicant for a marketing authorisation to provide evidence in support of any claims made for the efficacy of a product.