HC Deb 24 October 1966 vol 734 cc617-8
20. Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

asked the Minister of Health what consideration he is giving to the effect upon the technological development of the industry of the ban, subject to exceptions, on the irradiation of foodstuffs intended for human consumption.

Mr. Loughlin

This has always been fully in mind. Control of the process is needed to ensure its successful development as well as the protection of the consumer.

Mr. Lloyd

Would the Minister bear in mind that the British industry is the main exporter to foreign countries of plant of this kind, and even the very conservatively-minded Food and Drug Administration in the United States has approved the process for certain foodstuffs?

Mr. Loughlin

There are two reasons. First, we must be concerned about the marginal health hazard. Secondly, the report of the working party, which is the basis on which these proposed prohibitions are laid down, stated that in the early stages of the industrial use of the process a single irresponsible or ignorant action by one individual could bring the whole process into disrepute. We shall see that we do not impede progress, but we think that control is necessary.