To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of organophosphate compounds in licensed sheep dips sold in the British Isles have passed the neurotoxicity screen tests required by EC regulations, and if he will make a statement. [38691]
There are two organophosphate compounds used in products authorised in the United Kingdom as sheep dips. Reviews of the products are being undertaken by the Veterinary Products Committee in accordance with directive 81/852/EEC, as amended, and guidelines published by the European Commission. These include a requirement for data to assess any risk which might result from exposure to the products.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to ban the use of organophosphate-based sheep dips pending the completion of the epidermiological studies of organophosphate-related illness being pursued by a consortium of Government Departments; and if he will make a statement. [38618]
The safety of organophosphorus sheep dips is kept under constant review by the Veterinary Products Committee, the independent body of scientists which advises the Government on veterinary medicines matters. Its most recent advice, following assessment of a report from the Institute of Occupational Health on research into the long-term health effects of exposure to organophosphorus sheep dips, is that, on the basis of current scientific evidence, the marketing of OP dips should continue. However, it is essential that the guidance in the leaflet "Sheep dipping" and label instructions on the product are carefully followed in full.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department will suspend the sale of all organophosphate-based dips which (a) have not passed the neurotoxicity screening tests or (b) have not yet been tested; and if he will make a statement. [38693]
Following a review of organophosphorus sheep dips by the Veterinary Products Committee in 1993, the committee concluded there was no scientific evidence for a ban. This advice by the VPC was re-affirmed earlier this year, following its assessment of Institute of Occupational Health report about research into the possible long-term health effects of exposure to organophosphorus dips. Ministers' decisions following VPC advice on such reviews are made public.
To ask the Minster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the available research material his Department has (a) evaluated and (b) commissioned on the toxicity and neurotoxicity of organophosphate compounds; and if he will make a statement. [38617]
As part of its comprehensive review of the issues surrounding OP dips in 1993, the Veterinary Products Committee considered a considerable number of scientific papers, some published and others containing confidential information. A full list of all the papers involved was included as an annex to MAFF news release 424/93 issued on 1 December 1993 announcing the outcome of the review. A copy of this news release is available in the Library of the House.
MAFF has not commissioned any research on the toxicity or neurotoxicity of organophosphate compounds. However, MAFF is jointly commissioning with the Department of Health and the Health and Safety Executive an epidemiological study. The results of this study will be published.
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to extend the use of BHC (Gammexane)-based sheep dips; and if he will make a statement. [38615]
No BHC (Gammexane)-based products are currently authorised for use as sheep dips. The last product licence for such products was withdrawn by the company in 1991, and there are no plans to re-introduce these products.