§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on her Department's relationship to the Food Standards Agency. [11791]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 1 November 2001]: DEFRA is responsible for the promotion of sustainable development across government and society at large, both in the UK and internationally, leading the renewal of rural areas and promoting an efficient, competitive and sustainable food chain. The main objective of the Food Standards Agency is to protect public health from risks which may arise in connection with the consumption of food, including risks caused by the way in which it is produced or supplied, and otherwise to protect the interests of consumers in relation to food. The two Departments have a close working relationship.