§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to improve the standing of the British food industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RyderThe British food industry is one of the most efficient in the world providing the consumer with an extensive variety of high quality foodstuffs at reasonable prices. My Department works closely with the industry and consumers to encourage improvements in the production and marketing of food, and to ensure high standards of food safety and quality. The Department carries out an extensive scientific programme to monitor the most important fundamental aspects of the food780W industry's performance, and in particular operates a thorough and comprehensive system of surveillance to check on the safety and quantity of foods. The work has been described in detail in my Department's food surveillance reports including the latest one on the food chain, "Food Surveillance 1985–88".