HC Deb 11 February 1991 vol 185 cc347-8W
Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish notices in the press explaining the present legal position with regard to the posting of smoked salmon.

London ambulance service is the responsibility of the London ambulance service board. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. James Harris, the chairman, for details.

Mr. Dorrell

An advertising campaign to raise awareness on the new temperature controls generally is planned for the end of February.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on the provisions which apply to the posting of smoked salmon(a) in England to European destinations and (b) from points in Europe to destinations in England;

(2) what steps he intends to take to intercept smoked salmon being sent into this country by post from Europe.

Mr. Dorrell

The Food Hygiene (Amendment) Regulations 1990 apply to food businesses in England arid Wales. Foods specified in the regulations posted to destinations in Europe are covered by the regulations while in England and Wales. Relevant foods posted in Europe to England and Wales would similarly need to comply with the regulations. Securing compliance with the regulations is a matter for local enforcement agencies.

Mr. Steen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will delay the implementation of the Food Hygiene (Amendment) Regulations 1990 as they affect smoked salmon, until the results of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food research at Torry are known.

Mr. Dorrell

We shall be considering the Torry research very shortly.