§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will consult local authority associations representing trading standards authorities prior to making directions under section 6(3) of the Food Safety Act 1990; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what plans he has to set up consultative arrangements with local authority associations concerning the financial arrangements of actions taken under section 6(3) of the Food Safety Act 1990; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what has been the cost of the action taken by his Ministry before and following the making of each direction under section 6(3) of the Food Safety Act 1990; if he will give details of each action taken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerI have issued a direction under section 6(3) of the Food Safety Act to four individual local authorities, each in respect of a premises in their respective areas where my officers were carrying out an investigation in connection with alleged widespread irregularities in the marketing of orange juice. The effect of such directions is to remove from the local authority to myself the costs of any investigation and enforcement action. These costs are carried within the general votes of my own department and are thus not readily separately identified. The investigation is in any case not yet concluded. I will endeavour where appropriate to consult with affected local authorities beforehand on the use of the powers in section 6(3); on this occasion I consider that it was correct in the public interest to exercise my powers without any such prior consultation. My overriding concern must be the protection of the public.