HC Deb 29 June 1989 vol 155 cc548-9W
19. Mr. McAllion

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research he has carried out into the nutritional effects of irradiation on food.

Mr. MacGregor

I refer the hon. Member to the reply of my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to my hon. Friend the Member for Holland with Boston (Sir R. Body) on 22 June at column85.

29. Mr. Kirkhope

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from consumer groups in favour of the principle of food irradiation.

Mr. MacGregor

A number of consumer groups have recognised that, with proper controls, this technology has benefits for consumers.

43. Mr. Foulkes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has met the British Medical Association to discuss food irradiation.

Mr. MacGregor

My officials, together with officials from the Department of Health, have recently met representatives of the British Medical Association to discuss food irradiation.

52. Mr. David Marshall

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he is having with consumer organisations about the introduction of food irradiation.

63. Sir Hal Miller

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken to ensure that consumer interests are considered and protected in any decision on food irradiation.

Mr. MacGregor

There is always full consultation with consumer organisations over food safety policies. Both Ministers and officials have been involved in recent discussions with organisations over food irradiation, and there will be plenty of opportunity for further consultations given that both the primary legislation and the legislation thereafter will have to be discussed and approved by Parliament.

58. Mr. Conway

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the proposals of the working group established to devise a control framework for food irradiation in the United Kingdom.

Mr. MacGregor

I refer my, hon. Friend to the statement I made in the debate on food safety, research and health on 21 June 1989 at columns 347–59. A copy of the report of the working group of officials is in the Library of the House.