HC Deb 08 June 1999 vol 332 cc247-8W
Mr. Baker

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what trials of the synthetically genetically engineered dairy hormone bovine somatotropin were conducted in the UK prior to the imposition of an EU moratorium and between which dates; how many farms were involved; what the locations of the farms involved were; what quantity of milk containing this hormone was sold for human consumption; and if he will make a statement. [85743]

Mr. Rooker

Two Animal Test Certificates (ATCs) were issued in 1985 under the terms of the Medicines Act 1968 to Monsanto Europe SA and Lilly Industries Ltd respectively. A total of 38 farms and agricultural institutes were used in the tests at sites across the country. The timing of trials and the location of the farms and institutes concerned are confidential to the manufacturers but all trials took place before the imposition of the EU moratorium. No conditions were applied to the disposal of milk from treated cows. The normal concentration of BST in milk is not affected by the treatment of cows with BST.