THE CAMPAIGN on behalf of farmers suffering from organophosphate poisoning led by Elizabeth Sigmund, of Callington, will continue despite its legal defeat last week, writes George Black.

The farmers — there are believed to be more than 20 affected in the Tavistock area and several hundred across Devon — have been advised by lawyers that there is insufficient evidence to prove their illness was caused by chemicals in sheep dips.

They have therefore been told to drop their claim for compensation against the organophosphate manufacturers.

But Elizabeth Sigmund, who runs the Organophosphate Information Network, said she would continue to try to get the Ministry of Agriculture to accept responsibility and pay compensation to the victims.

She said the government had already accepted a link between the illness and the chemicals by paying industrial injuries disablement benefit to claimants who complained of the symptoms.

She believed the farmers had a case against the Ministry of Agriculture for lack of care.

The action against the chemicals companies had failed, she said, because the companies brought in 'battalions of lawyers', while the plaintiffs were often limited to legal aid.

A meeting is being arranged at the House of Commons in November by Paul Tyler, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall and chairman of the All-Party OP Group, to discuss the next step in the campaign.

He also believes that the struggle should not be abandoned.

However, Peter Bright, of Plymouth solicitors Nash and Company, said he doubted whether the campaigners would win.

For many it was too late to sue the government as cases had to be brought within three years, he said. Some might not be able to get legal aid. They would have to persuade a High Court judge that a government department had a duty of care.

'There are all sorts of hurdles to get over before you even start,' he said.

Organophosphates are said to attack the central nervous system, causing depression, memory loss, vomiting and numerous other symptoms.

In 1976, the government made the use of organophosphates for sheep-dipping compulsory, but did not advise farmers of any health risks or tell them to use protective gear.