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Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Monday, 15 January 2018, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 January 2018. It was answered by George Eustice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 January 2018 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, what research is being conducted on the effect of organophosphates on people that operate sheep dips.

Answer

The Government recognises that organophosphates are potentially dangerous substances, and that their use needs to be carefully controlled in order to minimise the risks to people who work with them. Government policy is, and always has been, based on the best independent scientific advice. It is Government practice to regularly review all controls in line with the latest scientific advice, and to carry out research to provide more information when required.

The 1999 report from the Government’s independent advisory Committee on Toxicity (COT), entitled ‘Organophosphates’, concluded by making recommendations for further scientific research in the form of five questions. Subsequently, the Government committed £4.1 million funding to answer these and other research questions, exploring whether the use of sheep dips was the cause of the chronic ill health reported by some sheep farmers. The outcome of this research was provided to the COT for its work in preparation for the March 2014 statement.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
122600
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Health hazards Organophosphates Sheep dipping
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk