Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 28 April 2008.

Health: Organophosphates and Carbamates

Question: My Lords, in view of the availability of a variety of alternative compounds to organophosphates for the use of sheep dips, what warning is given to sheep farmers, in addition to protective clothing, about the potential toxicity? How is that information made available via Defra?

Answer: My Lords, the instructions were always clear. In the past, under the old system, the farmers made it clear to me, in my first visit to MAFF—as it was—as a Minister, that putting on the heavy rubber clothing was incredibly difficult and restricted their mobility. The closed system, which came about in 2001, is much more practical, and full instructions are given by the manufacturers. In addition, there are alternatives, such as injectables and pour-ons, but their efficacy is not always as good as dipping the sheep. Defra is currently funding research into non-chemical means of dealing with the mites. So there is research, but it will be some years before we get a possible alternative to organophosphates on a non-chemical basis, so that it is safe for everybody except the mite.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 701 c3-4
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Health hazards Iraq-Kuwait conflict Farmers Pesticides Sheep Gulf War syndrome Organophosphates Sheep dipping Veterans Carbamates
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk