§ 5. Mr. Wadeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what investigations he is making into the effects upon health of chemical additives used in agriculture and in the preparation of food for human consumption; and if he will take steps to safeguard the general public from harmful consequences.
§ Mr. SoamesThere are already arrangements for controlling the use of chemicals in agriculture and in the preparation of food. No new toxic chemical intended for use in agriculture is marketed nowadays until it has been screened by the Advisory Committee on Poisonous Substances. This Committee makes recommendations for its safe use, including precautions to safeguard consumers and these are published. There is also a Research Study Group on Toxic Chemicals in Agriculture which is considering what further research is needed into the effects of these chemicals.
Chemical additives used in the preparation of food are watched over by a Sub-Committee of the Food Standards Committee. Regulations are made under the Food and Drugs Act to control the presence of chemicals in food when this is necessary for the protection of consumers.