§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department has issued concerning the introduction of irradiated food into National Health Service catering; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Government's announcement of their intention to permit food irradiation was made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 21 June. New enabling powers are required to impose conditions and controls necessary for its introduction. It follows that any advice to the NHS must await the application of those new powers when available.