§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of charges are imposed on local authorities who submit samples of food to the public health laboratory service for analysis.
§ Mr. DorrellAt present laboratories of the public health laboratory service analyse a limited number of food samples for local authorities free of charge. There are plans to put this arrangement on to a contractual basis in future in English laboratories, and contracts will show the charges to be applied for any work which may be required above an agreed minimum. Such charges will reflect the cost to the laboratories of the additional work. Corresponding arrangements in Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.