HL Deb 10 April 2000 vol 612 cc19-20WA
The Countess of Mar

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on 15 December 1999 (WA 42), whether the investigations into the ill health caused by exposure to pesticides, as opposed to investigations into complaints of exposure to pesticides, of employees of Mersley Farm, Isle of Wight, included an epidemiological study and clinical investigations; and, if not, whether they will establish these studies as a matter of urgency. [HL1808]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Whitty)

It is HSE policy that all allegations of ill health as a result of pesticide exposure are fully investigated. HSE has followed and continues to follow this policy with respect to the complaints regarding Mersley Farm.

HSE's Employment Medical Advisory Service has been involved with the investigations of these complaints arising from the illegal use of pesticides, also in accordance with HSE policy. Its role is to consider whether or not the ill-health is consistent with exposure to pesticides. As part of this process it consults with general practitioners, consultants and hospitals to evaluate the medical records of complainants. With this information, a professional decision is made as to what additional clinical investigations are warranted on an individual basis.

It is also HSE policy to refer cases of alleged pesticide related illness to the Pesticide Incidents Appraisal Panel (PIAP) which has the role of contributing to epidemiological surveillance of pesticide safety. By taking an overview of these cases, a statistical picture can be obtained which is used to inform the approvals process. The majority of Mersley Farm cases have now been referred to PIAP. All will be assessed by the panel.

More specific epidemiological studies are not a routine part of HSE's investigation work. They would not normally be appropriate in the context of complaints of this type involving usually no more than a few individuals. However, HSE is currently considering whether there would be any benefit gained from an epidemiological study relating to Mersley Farm. The feasibility of undertaking an informative epidemiological investigation will be assessed over the next six months. The findings will be made public and followed up as appropriate.