Written question asked by David Tredinnick (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 April 2001. It was answered by Baroness Quin (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 April 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what trials he proposes to establish the effectiveness of the homeopathic remedy Borax in the foot and mouth disease outbreak. - (Holding answer 23 March 2001).

Answer: Mr. Tredinnick: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what trials he proposes to establish the effectiveness of the homeopathic remedy borax in the foot and mouth disease outbreak. [155117] Ms Quin: [holding answer 23 March 2001]: The onus for providing evidence that supports the need for research into the effectiveness of borax against foot and mouth disease lies with the manufacturer. Products that are presented for the treatment or prevention of disease in animals, or which have that function, must be authorised under the terms of the Marketing Authorisations for Veterinary Medicinal Products Regulations 1994 before they can be legally sold or supplied in the United Kingdom. This ensures that such products are properly assessed and are demonstrated as being safe, of consistent good quality and effective when used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The manufacturer of any such products may apply for such authorisation. No such application has been made for borax.

Secondary information