asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether cat and dog flea collars impregnated with organophosphates or carbonate pesticides which arc stated to he effective for several weeks are considered to he safe in the presence of young children who are likely to handle their pets.

All veterinary medicines are required to he considered against the statutory criteria of safety, quality and efficacy before a marketing authorisation can he issued. Safety in this context includes the animal and those who might handle the product. The product types referred to have all been assessed against these criteria. and have been authorised for use in accordance with the instructions and warnings on the product packaging. For organophosphate and carbonate based flea collars, the warnings include keeping the collar out of reach of children and not allowing them to play with it. It is the responsibility of the pet owner or parent to ensure that these warnings are followed. In any case of doubt, advice on alternative treatments should he obtained from a veterinary surgeon.