§ Mr. VazTo ask the Prime Minister how many representations she has received, and from whom, calling for the separation of a Ministry of Food from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI have received representations calling for the separation of a Ministry of Food from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as well as representations in favour of maintaining a single Department.
I do not believe that the interests of the consumer and industry would be best served by such a separation. The present arrangements ensure that ministerial responsibility for the food chain is covered from the point of production to the point of sale to the consumer. I said at the Royal show last year that I do not propose to dismember the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. This remains my view.