§ 44. Sir J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether agricultural and horticultural products consumed in Great Britain have been grown abroad using chemicals which are either prohibited or restricted in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. MackieMy right hon. Friend cannot exercise surveillance over the detailed agricultural operations in the numerous countries from which we import agricultural and horticultural produce, but the food we import is safeguarded by the provisions of the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, and the Imported Food Regulations, 1968.
§ Sir J. Langford-HoltCan the hon. Gentleman, in his Ministry of Food hat, say whether he is satisfied that in no 1234 circumstances is food consumed in this country having been grown in conditions which would not be allowed in this country? Secondly, is he, wearing his Ministry of Agriculture hat, aware that in certain circumstances it is possible that the farmers in this country have to maintain standards higher than those maintained by our suppliers overseas and that they are, therefore, at a disadvantage?
§ Mr. MackieThe answer to the first question is " No ", and the answer to the second " Yes "; and it is difficult to avoid.
Mr. SnowDoes not my hon. Friend remember that there are provisions in the Medicines Act, 1968, whereby World Health Organisation regulations were anticipated and the covering provisions of our own legislation were embodied? Has that part of the Act yet been put into operation?
§ Mr. MackieIt has not been put into operation, but I am glad that my hon. Friend has reminded the House of it.