HL Deb 27 November 1997 vol 583 c136WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration they have given to the finding of the research carried out by Robert Davies of the Organophosphate Scientific Forum into health hazards arising from exposure to organophosphate pesticides, that at least 10 per cent. of people exposed over a period of time to these pesticides developed a disorder that led to brain damage; and in particular, the relevance of his finding that the illness is found among Gulf War veterans.

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Baroness Jay of Paddington):

Contrary to recent reports in the media, the Department of Health has not received any details of the research by Dr. Davies to which my noble friend refers, nor, as far as I am aware, has any other government department. However, the Government will take into account all relevant research published in appropriately peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals in considering whether there are risks to human health from organophosphates, and we await the publication of Dr. Davies' research with interest.