§ Charlotte AtkinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will convene a group of experts to advise Ministers in different Government departments on the control and use of organophosphate sheep dips. [19798]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 10 December 1997]: Such a group already exists. The independent scientific Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) advises the agriculture and health Ministers of the United Kingdom on all matters relating to the authorisation of veterinary medicinal products, including sheep dips. Copies of the annual reports of the VPC are deposited in the Library of the House.
§ Charlotte AtkinsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to introduce alternatives to organophosphate sheep dips which(a) do not damage the environment and (b) are safe to use. [19797]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 10 December 1997]: No veterinary medicine is authorised unless it satisfies stringent statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy. Safety in this context includes the safety of the operator and the environment.
A number of non-organophosphorus sheep ectoparasiticides have been authorised, including dips and injectable products. A complete list is published every six months by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and is deposited in the Library of the House.