HC Deb 30 July 1998 vol 317 c464W
11. Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress towards the establishment of the Food Standards Agency. [51698]

Mr. Nick Brown

We are making good progress towards the establishment of a Food Standards Agency and intend to publish a draft Bill for consultation soon. Meanwhile, my Department and the Department of Health are working closely together to deliver an open and effective food safety policy.

17. Dr. Gibson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research funding will be provided to support the Food Standards Agency. [51704]

Mr. Rooker

The Agency will take over responsibility for the existing programme of research on food safety and standards currently funded by MAFF and the Department of Health. The precise sum to be transferred to the Agency is yet to be determined.

27. Miss McIntosh

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations his Department has received from farmers on the proposed Foods Standards Agency. [51714]

Mr. Rooker

A number of organisations representing farmers' interests commented on the Food Standards Agency White Paper. Copies of all the responses are available in the Library of the House.