HC Deb 13 May 1996 vol 277 cc374-5W
Mr. Hain

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the European Commission to publish its forthcoming consultation document on the availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements; and for what period of time he expects that document to be open for consultation. [28220]

Mrs. Browning

I refer to the answer I gave the hon. Gentleman on 12 March in theOfficial Report, column 577.

Mr. Hain

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list for each other member country of the European Union the information which he has evaluated on the controls which are imposed upon the availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements. [28221]

Mrs. Browning

Our understanding of the controls on the availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements in other member states is based on a number of sources, including the position member states took when this matter was previously discussed at EU level in 1992.

Mr. Hain

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to persuade his counterparts in other European countries to support his policies in respect of the continued availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements; what steps he has taken to encourage support for that policy at recent meetings of the Agriculture Council; and if he will make a statement setting out that policy. [28219]

Mrs. Browning

My Department takes every opportunity to ensure that other member states are aware of our views on dietary supplements. However, the matter is not one which is considered by the Agricultural Council.