§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to discuss the report of the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment on organophosphates with the(a) Ministry of Defence, (b) Department of Health and (c) Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. [103232]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 20 December 1999]: The Committee's report on organophosphates (OPs) has been discussed by the Official Group on OPs, which brings together representatives from all the key departments and agencies with an interest in this area (including the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions).
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research on organophosphates his Department plans to carry out with relevance to Gulf War syndrome. [103089]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 20 December 1999]: The Ministry of Defence has responsibility for research in respect of Gulf veterans' illnesses. They continue to monitor research on OPs, including that funded by MAFF, in view of the suggested link between Gulf veterans' illnesses and OP pesticides.
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent assessment he has made of the effects of sheep-dips on farmers' health. [103090]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 20 December 1999]: I refer my hon. Friend to my reply of 20 December 1999, Official Report, column 446W, to his question on the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment report on organophosphates.