HC Deb 19 February 1990 vol 167 cc582-3W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list all the research projects currently being carried out at the Institute of Food Research in Bristol and indicate which ones will be transferred to other research establishments, giving the name of the research establishment in each case;

(2) if he will list the projects his Department is funding and the amount of this financial contribution to these projects at each of (a) Leatherhead Food Research Association, (b) Campden Food Preservation Research Association, (c) Huddersfield polytechnic, (d) Sheffield polytechnic and (e) Dorset Institute of Higher Education for (i) 1988, (ii) 1989, (iii) 1990 and (iv) 1991.

Mr. Gummer

I have placed in the Library of the House a copy of my Department's programme of external research and development on food for 1988–89 and 1989–90. Proposals for 1990–91 are currently under consideration.

Dr. David Clark

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the organisations and committees which give him advice on food safety research; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

I receive advice on research and development (R&D) into food safety from my own officials and the following bodies:

  1. (a) the Priorities Board for R&D in Agriculture and Food;
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  2. (a) the Steering Group on Food Surveillance;
  3. (c) the Food Advisory Committee;
  4. (d) the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment;
  5. (e) the Veterinary Products Committee; and
  6. (f) the Advisory Committee on Pesticides.

From time to time, I also receive suggestions from other outside organisations.

The Government are firmly committed to funding research and development on food safety and hygiene issues of concern to consumers, producers and industry.

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