§ Mr. Wardasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will discuss with the Government of the Irish Republic joint measures to ensure that prosecutions can proceed in cases where food manufactured in either country is found to be unfit for human consumption when sold in retail shops.
§ Mr. StrangProsecutions can only proceed before a court of the United Kingdom when the person to be prosecuted is within the court's jurisdiction. Where food manufactured in the Republic of Ireland or in any other foreign country is found to be unfit for human consumption when sold in retail shops United Kingdom enforcement authorities can proceed against the retail seller or the importer according to the circumstances of the offence. Although the authorities cannot proceed against the manufacturer, who is outside the jurisdiction, my officials assist them in seeking the aid of those responsible in the country concerned, so that the matter can be investigated and action taken as necessary.
I do not think cases of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend would justify my opening discussion with the Government of the Republic of Ireland.