§ Mr. Ian StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements he has made concerning the establishment of the Food Standards Agency; and if he will make a statement. [117044]
§ Ms StuartThe provisions establishing the Food Standards Agency under the Food Standards Act 1999 are due to come into force on 1 April. The Food Standards Agency will act as a non-ministerial Department, which will be accountable to Parliament through Health Ministers. As of 1 April, I will have day-to-day responsibility for parliamentary business relating to food safety and standards matters, including questions from Members. I will also be responsible for dealing with relevant correspondence from Members of this House. Details of the Food Standards Agency's role and organisation will be placed in the Library.