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Written question asked by Neil Parish (Conservative) on Wednesday, 30 November 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 2 December 2016. It was answered by George Eustice (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 December 2016 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Sheep Dipping: Organophosphates

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will meet the Sheep Dip Sufferers Support Group to discuss the effects of organophosphates.

Answer

My hon. Friend will be aware that I met the Sheep Dip Sufferers Support Group about a year ago and discussed this issue in depth. The Committee on Toxicity has looked at this issue exhaustively, examining 26 different studies over a period of more than a decade, and concluded that in the absence of acute poisoning there would not be meaningful long-term effects.

To the best of my knowledge there is no new scientific evidence available that would alter this conclusion. I am sympathetic to farmers suffering from ill health but at this time I do not feel a further meeting would be beneficial.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
55614
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Health hazards Organophosphates Sheep dipping
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk