HC Deb 19 February 1998 vol 306 c782W
Mr. Charles Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what monitoring of the impact of synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips on(a) the aquatic environment, (b) the soil environment and (c) fisheries (i) has been carried out and (ii) is planned by her Department; and if she will make a statement. [29730]

Mr. Paul Murphy

[holding answer 16 February 1998]: The level of use of synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips in Northern Ireland has been low and there are no recorded incidents of environmental pollution from that source.

DOE and DANI officials are aware of the particular risk posed to the environment by inappropriate disposal of synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips and are keeping the situation, particularly regarding levels of usage, under review. If appropriate, specific monitoring of the impact of those sheep dips on the environment will be arranged.

Mr. Charles Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what advice her Department gives to farmers on the disposal of synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips. [29729]

Mr. Paul Murphy

[holding answer 16 February 1998]: The Department of Agriculture of Northern Ireland gives advice to farmers on the handling and disposal of sheep dips, including synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips, through booklets, TV and radio programmes, newspaper articles and farm visits. The current advice covers the circumstances in which used dip may be spread on suitable land at low application rates. As regards synthetic pyrethroid sheep dips, emphasis is given to the need for particular care in handling and disposal in view of the risk which that material poses for the environment.