HC Deb 28 October 1996 vol 284 cc51-2W
Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to prevent the use of dangerous organophosphates in veterinary products. [77]

Mrs. Browning

No veterinary medicine is authorised unless it meets statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy. The Government are advised on this by the independent scientific Veterinary Products Committee, VPC. The suspected adverse reactions surveillance scheme monitors trends in adverse reactions, which are reported regularly to the VPC. The continued use of organophosphorus—OP—sheep dips is kept under review by the VPC. OP sheep dips are important in the control of serious, sometimes fatal, sheep diseases. The committee has advised that, on the basis of current scientific evidence, there is no reason to ban OP dips but that it is essential that they are used properly and in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to complete his review of the impact of organophosphate sheep dips on the health of farmers and farm workers. [78]

Mrs. Browning

The Veterinary Products Committee, which gives independent scientific advice to the Government on issues concerning veterinary medicines, has completed its most recent review of organophosphate sheep dips, and Ministers expect to receive advice in the near future. An announcement will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

The Government-funded epidemiological research project to examine the possible long-term human health effects of organophosphate sheep dips commenced earlier this year and is expected to be completed by April 1999.

Mr. Tyler

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to monitor the investigation of Gulf war syndrome to establish lessons for the examination of the health side effects of exposure to organophosphate sheep dips among farmers and farm workers. [79]

Mrs. Browning

Officials of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate are in regular contact on this matter with the Ministry of Defence and the Department of Health.