MPs to probe sheep dip

8 March 2000



MPs to probe sheep dip

By FWi staff

MPs are to hold an inquiry into issues arising from the withdrawal of organophosphate sheep dips pending the introduction of new containers.

It appears likely that the House of Commons Agriculture Select Committee will hold a single evidence session into the matter within the next month.

Organophosphate (OP) dips were withdrawn at the end of January following a government announcement by junior farm minister Baroness Hayman.

Their use will not be permitted until manufacturers make practical improvements to containers to minimise operator contact with OP concentrate.

A report commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture from the Institute of Occupational Medicine has linked the chemicals to nerve damage in farmers.

The government said there was insufficient evidence to justify a ban on the dips, but later withdrew all dips on the basis that the packaging was unsafe.

Many farmers have since warned that some diseases in sheep could spiral out of control if the dips are permanently withdrawn from the market.