HL Deb 11 October 1999 vol 605 cc46-8WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In relation to the genetically engineered hormone rBST, which stimulated IGF-1, a blood hormone which causes cells to divide, how many cows in the United Kingdom have so far been injected with such a modified hormone; whether the milk of such cows has been sold without special labelling or health warning; if so, in what quantities; and over what period. [HL4004]

Baroness Hayman

There is a moratorium on the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) in the European Union. Trials on products containing rBST were carried out in the UK in the mid to late 1980s. The maximum number of cows which may have been treated in the trials was estimated at 1,130, although the number treated at any one time would have been lower. The maximum number represented about 0.03 per cent. of the national herd and the sales of milk from treated cows was estimated at around 0.01 per cent. of national milk production. The use of rBST does not substantially increase the level of BST, which occurs naturally in all cows' milk.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In relation to the genetically engineered hormone rBST, which stimulates IGF-1, a blood hormone which causes cells to divide, whether women with relatively small increases in their blood-levels of IGF-1 are up to seven times more likely to develop post-menopausal breast cancer. [HL4005]

Baroness Hayman

The use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) is currently subject to a moratorium in the European Union. There is a great deal of information on research on the human and animal health effects of its use. The Veterinary Products Committee (VPC), which advises the Government on veterinary medicinal products, has been asked to consider the latest scientific information. Ministers expect to receive the VPC's report very soon and it is expected to be published.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

In relation to the genetically engineered hormone rBST, which stimulates IGF-1, a blood hormone which causes cells to divide, what research has been carried out into the side-effects of rBST in cows, such as increased mastitis and higher antibiotic residues in milk; whether research has been, or will be, commissioned into related sterility, birth defects, cancer and immunological derangements in both cows and humans; and, if not, why not. [HL4006]

Baroness Hayman

The use of recombinant bovine somatotripin (rBST) is currently subject to a moratorium in the European Union. There is a great deal of information on research on the human and animal health effects of its use. The Veterinary Products Committee (VPC), which advises the Government on veterinary medicinal products, has been asked to consider the latest scientific information. Ministers expect to receive the VPC's report very soon and it is expected to be published.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What information they have on the use in continental Europe of the genetically engineered hormone rBST in cows; and whether milk from injected cows has been imported into the United Kingdom. [HL4054]

Baroness Hayman

On 11 November 1996 Commissioner Fischler, in reply to a European Parliamentary Question, stated that to the Commission's knowledge the use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) was authorised in the following non-EU European countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria. Under the current EU moratorium on the use of rBST there is no barrier to the importation of milk or milk products from rBST-treated cows. Trade statistics for 1998 indicate that the United Kingdom imported no milk from any of these countries. The only milk product imported was 2.3 tonnes of cheese from Romania, but there is no indication as to whether the cows which produced the milk had been treated with rBST.