§ Mr. YeoTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department has(a) undertaken and (b) evaluated on the relationship between arhythmic heart conditions and the use of organophosphates in sheep dip. [126822]
§ Mr. Nick Brown[holding answer 19 June 2000]: As research relevant to OP sheep dips is published, it is evaluated by the Medical and Scientific Panel, a sub-committee of the Veterinary Products Committee. The Panel considered evidence that exposure to OPs could cause heart problems but concluded that such problems were unlikely to occur at the levels of exposure to OPs experienced during dipping operations. Following a Scientific Workshop on 28 March 2000, which was organised by the Government, we hope shortly to call for proposals for further research which could include the effects of OPs on the heart.