§ Mr. Michael Cocksasked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what further reports of possible incidents of polluted wine his Department has received in the last months;
(2) what new procedures his Department has introduced to seek to guard against the possible importation of polluted wine;
(3) whether he is satisfied with the efficacy of present arrangements to guard against the importation of polluted wine.
§ Mrs. FennerUnder the Food Act 1984, enforcement authorities have power to sample and analyse all food and drink intended for sale for human consumption. These powers extend to port health authorities in respect of imported foods and drink. I have already passed all the relevent information I have on contaminated wines to the port health authorities and I am satisfied that they will carry out the necessary checks in the course of their normal duties.
I have recently received some reports from abroad of incidents concerning contaminated wines but no similar discoveries have been made in the United Kingdom. I am nevertheless making further inquiries where necessary.