HC Deb 04 December 1985 vol 88 cc268-9W
Mr. Gareth Wardell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will explain why district councils were not kept fully informed by his Department on the adulteration of Austrian wine, when county councils were so informed.

Mrs. Fenner

Diethylene glycol is not a permitted additive to wine and its presence is therefore illegal. Trading standards officers of county councils thus had a responsibility to discharge and it was necessary to provide them with appropriate information. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services was advised that no acute health risk existed. No action by environmental health officers of district councils was necessary and they were so advised by telephone on 12 July 1985.