§ Mrs. GoldingTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect of pyrethroid sheep dips on aquatic life in rivers and streams. [2240]
§ Mr. RookerNo veterinary medicine is authorised for use unless it meets stringent statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy. Safety includes risk to the environment. The independent Scientific Veterinary Products Committee is currently undertaking a review of non-organophosphorus (OP) sheep dips to consider whether existing controls on OP dips should be extended to these products. The labels of authorised synthetic pyrethroid dips already carry clear warnings about the dangers to fish and other aquatic life. The labels also warn that it is an offence to pollute any stream or watercourse and advise farmer to contact the Environment Agency or the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency as appropriate, where there may be any doubt.