§ 11. Dr. Goodson-WickesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations she has had on possible harmful effects of the ingestion of wax coatings on foodstuffs.
§ Mr. SoamesI am currently awaiting advice on those substances from two independent expert committees that are reviewing the results of recent research. Full consultation will follow on any action revealed to be necessary.
§ Dr. Goodson-WickesDoes my hon. Friend agree that it is rather odd that this country is considering banning the wax packaging of foodstuffs when there is no evidence whatever that any harm comes from its ingestion? In that respect, we are out of step with the World Health Organisation, the American Food and Drug Administration and our EC partners. Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment will come to a rapid decision so that the uncertainty of the past four years can be brought to an end?
§ Mr. SoamesWe always come to rapid decisions. We have had extensive consultations on this matter and it has been exposed to us that a number of the previous plans are inappropriate. Important uses have been replaced and it is clear that others—for example, in veterinary medicines 429 and pesticides—might bring benefits that outweigh any slight risks involved. Moreover, further safety data have recently been submitted to us. For all those reasons, I agree that it was prudent for us to defer action pending clarification of the situation. I assure my hon. Friend that as soon as we have the necessary information we will press ahead with great speed.