HC Deb 10 April 1986 vol 95 c333
6. Mr. Thurnham

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the objectives of his Ministry's policy on the processing, distribution and marketing of food and drink; how he is monitoring its effectiveness; and if he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mrs. Peggy Fenner)

The Government's policy is to encourage improvements in the processing, distribution and marketing of food, and to ensure high standards of food hygiene and safety. My Department monitors many of the fundamental measures of the industry's performance and operates an extensive system of surveillance to check on the safety of foods.

Mr. Thurnham

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that Rayner scrutiny techniques are being used to the best effect in the Department, and what results are being achieved?

Mrs. Fenner

There was no specific Rayner scrutiny in the area of food and drink, but we are looking closely at our objectives in all areas and at associated measures of efficiency and effectiveness.

Mr. Cohen

How about giving a higher priority to quality and types of food for good health? Britain is at the top of the coronary deaths league, and improper diet is recognised as a key factor in that. When will the Government face their responsibilities in that area and, instead of facilitating the search for unlimited profit, put some action into the search for better health?

Mrs. Fenner

Health is the direct responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that a committee looked particularly into any connection between diet and cardiovascular disease. It made four recommendations, only one of which affects labelling in my Department, and that is statutory fat labelling, which we are now preparing. The other recommendations did not involve labelling. We are also discussing and preparing a voluntary format for other nutritional labellings, because consumers are interested in that.

Mr. Gregory

Will my hon. Friend hold urgent discussions with Food from Britain on the objectives of her marketing policy, because of the organisation's lack-lustre performance, particularly in respect of confectionery and good English drinks, such as beer, because at present on the export market that is singularly lacking?

Mrs. Fenner

Not only does Food from Britain place a priority on confectionery, but I know from visiting food exhibitions in other countries that it is doing a good job. My hon. Friend will know that when the £14 million pump-priming funds run out, the Government have pledged £1 for every £2 from industry. We have given the lead, and it is now up to industry to show that it will follow that.