§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what liaison there is between his Department, the Department of Defence and the Ministry of Agriculture on the subject of organophosphate dips and their use; and if he will make a statement. [1860]
§ Mr. HoramThe Government are advised on the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines by the independent Veterinary Products Committee and the licensing authority, which includes Department of Health Ministers. The continued use of organophosphate sheep dips is kept under review by the VPC and officials of the Department of Health are in regular contact with officials of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate on this matter. My officials are also in regular contact with officials of the Ministry of Defence which has an interest.
In addition, the Baroness Cumberlege, Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health, has had a series of meetings with my hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.