HC Deb 05 November 1998 vol 318 c635W
Mr. Jim Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the independent group appointed in May to undertake a review of food-related scientific services in Scotland is due to report. [58950]

Mr. Galbraith

The Review Group led by Professor Morag Timbury provided me with their final report on 23 October and copies are available in the House of Commons Library. I am very grateful to the Chairman and Members of the Group for undertaking this complex review of a service which is an essential element of the food law enforcement and surveillance system which directly helps to safeguard public health. The detailed recommendations presented by the Group will be very carefully considered in order to ensure that all necessary changes to the existing system can be introduced to secure an efficient and effective food-related scientific service.