§ 44. Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take steps to expedite the review by the Food 1714 Additives and Contaminants Committee of the use of preservatives in food.
§ Mr. HoyThe use of preservatives in foods is one of several important subjects being reviewed by the Food Additives and Contaminants Committee and I am sure that it will be completed as soon as possible.
§ Mr. JenkinIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that tells us precisely nothing? Does he realise that representations were invited more than two and a half years ago, and that the industry is still waiting for some results from them?
§ Mr. HoyI thought that I had conveyed an answer. I hope the hon. Gentleman is not suggesting that we should not take into consideration the reports of the Food Additives and Contaminants Committee. This is the reason why it was set up, and I think he ought to pay tribute to it. It has presented five reports during the last 18 months; those on aldrin and dieldrin, antioxidants, and cyclamates were particularly urgent matters. These have all been dealt with.