Cows' Milk (Hormones) Mr. Simon Hughes asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what measures he has taken to determine whether there are health risks associated with the human consumption of milk products derived from the milk of cows which have been treated with the hormone bovine somatotropin. Mr. Newton No product licence for any preparation of bovine somatotropin has been granted under the Medicines Act 1968. Animal trials are in progress under the terms of animal test certificates issued by the licensing authority, which consists of Health and Agriculture Ministers acting jointly. Before issuing these certificates, the licensing authority obtained the advice of the Veterinary Products Committee, an independent expert body established under the provisions of the Medicines Act. The committee scrutinised thoroughly evidence of safety and other matters, including the safety of consumers receiving milk or other produce from treated animals. No health risks were identified at any stage.