§ 17. Mr. Barnesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has reached a decision about the use of sodium cyclamate in food products.
§ Mr. PeartI am now considering a further report from the Food Additives and Contaminants Committee on the results of recent work on the toxicology of cyclamates.
§ Mr. BarnesCan my right hon. Friend say why it is that if sodium cyclamates can be used in soft drinks, as they can be at the moment, it is not possible to give the go ahead for their use in special dietary foods subject to the same safeguards?
§ Mr. PeartThat is a fair question. We have had a report since then and, therefore, I feel it is my duty to look at this before making a final decision.
§ Mr. John HallWould not the Minister agree that there is considerable doubt about the possible effects of sodium cyclamates in foodstuffs? It is not at present permitted in the Common Market countries or in the United States, so would he consider carefully before agreeing to the use of sodium cyclamates in foodstuffs?