HC Deb 08 March 1990 vol 168 cc836-7W
21. Mr. Nellist

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received against the introduction of food irradiation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maclean

I continue to receive letters about aspects of food irradiation, but no new considerations have arisen that are relevant to the Government's decision. The various issues have been thoroughly analysed and summarised with great clarity in the recent report from the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities.

53. Mr. Churchill

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what major food manufacturers or supermarket chains have approached his Department requesting that the present ban on the sale in this country of irradiated foodstuff be lifted.

Mr. Maclean

I have received no such representations direct from food manufacturers or retailers. However, I am aware that the Food and Drink Federation was among those scientific, health, consumer and trade bodies that commend favourably on the introduction of food irradiation in evidence to the recent inquiry by the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Communities. The report of this inquiry is in the Library of the House.

79. Mr. Gale

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what reports from independent scientific committees he has received regarding the safety of food irradiation.

Mr. Maclean

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Romsey and Waterside (Mr. Colvin).

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the correspondence on food irradiation he has received has been in favour of its introduction.

Mr. Maclean

The nature of the correspondence does not lend itself to this sort of analysis since many of the letters either raise, or seek information about, particular aspects of the subject.

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