§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is investigating the extent to which other fish have been contaminated following the decision of the United 78W States Government to ban the sale of tuna fish on account of possible contamination; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorYes. Although previous surveys in this country have shown the amount of mercury in the national diet is low, arrangements are advanced for monitoring a range of foods including fish for methyl mercury residues. I shall announce the details of the monitoring scheme shortly.
§ Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information caused his decision not to bar the sale of tuna fish to the public.
§ Mr. PriorAs I announced on 22nd December, I decided that such action was unnecessary, after receiving from the Pharmacology Sub-Committee of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy advice which was based on all the available toxicological and analytical information.