§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what responsibilities the food safety directorate has in the analysis of bottled water purity.
§ Mr. MacleanThe responsibility for the routine analysis of bottled water rests with local authorities. The food safety directorate undertakes analysis of food and drink as part of the Government's food surveillance programme or if there is a more general safety concern. The rapid response to the recent problem experienced by Perrier is an example of the latter role.