§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the Association of Public Analysts that the service should remain a local authority function, but that the position of public analysts be regularised and that communications between them and the Government Chemist be improved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangI have been asked to reply.
The Association of Public Analysts published a report in April this year, dealing with the future of the Public Analyst's scientific, advisory and analytical services. A copy of this document was forwarded to my Department, together with the association's preliminary views on the review of the Food and Drugs Acts, announced in November last year. These representations will be discussed shortly with officials from the Government Departments concerned and will be taken into account in the preparation of a consultative document on the revision of the food laws in the United Kingdom. I am not aware of any criticism of communications between public analysts and the Laboratory of the Government Chemist.