HC Deb 13 February 1990 vol 167 c197W
Mr. Robert G. Hughes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations has he received about the future of the Milk Marketing Board.

Mr. Gummer

A number of individuals and organisations have made their views known including those representing the Milk Marketing Board and the Dairy Trade Federation. The issue is an important one, and it is right that there should be an open exchange of views.

Food Additives

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many substances of no nutritional value were permitted as food additives(a) in 1984 and (b) in 1989.

Mr. Maclean

There are approximately 320 additives permitted by regulation for use in food and these include additives of some nutritional value. This number has not altered substantially between 1984 and 1989. In addition, there are about 3,000 flavourings available to the food industry that are not specifically controlled by regulations. They are however subject to the general provisions of the Food Act and are used in very small amounts.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the enforcement of section 4(2) of the Food Act 1984 in respect of colouring additives with no nutritional value.

Mr. Maclean

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 29 January at column75. The criteria that the Food Advisory Committee uses in assessing food additives was published in "Food Facts—Additives No. 7", a copy of which is being sent to the hon. Member.