§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopTo ask the Prime Minister whether she will take action to discourage Ministers from making public statements outside the remit of their own Department.
§ The Prime MinisterMinisters will continue to speak on Government policy as appropriate.
§ Mr. Maxwell-HyslopTo ask the Prime Minister whether the duty of making public statements concerning the safety of agricultural produce for human consumption reposes in Ministers of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, or in the Department of Health.
§ The Prime MinisterThe safety of foodstuffs consumed in this country is a matter for Health and Agriculture Ministers acting jointly. By arrangement, the Department of Health leads on matters concerning food hygiene and microbiological contamination of food which are likely to pose public health risks whereas Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food leads on all other food issues and associated health risks. In either case there is close liaison between Health and Agriculture Departments and consultation with relevant outside interests.