To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any information relating to adverse effects on human health resulting from the illegal use of beta-agonists.

I am not aware of any adverse effects on human health in this country resulting from the illegal use of beta-agonists. However, I understand that the national epidemiology centre, Madrid has investigated a possible link between outbreaks of food poisoning in Spain and the illicit use of clenbuterol in cattle feed.