§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to increase inspection of shop premises; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 12 July 1990]: The food Safety Act 1990, which received Royal Assent on 29 June provides the necessary framework to enable inspections to be undertaken by local authority (district and islands councils) enforcement officials. The authorities will be required to have regard to codes of recommended practice issued by the Secretary of State for the execution and enforcement of the Act and of regulations and orders made under it.
Present measures will be further augmented and formalised next year by the EC Council directive on the official control of foodstuffs. Member states will require to operate a formal programme of inspections at all stages of food production, manufacture, processing, storage, transport, distribution and trade.