§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about his Ministry's contribution to the citizens charter on(a) agriculture and (b) food; and whether he has any specific proposals to contribute to this initiative.
§ Mr. GummerPrinciples like those in the citizens charter have particularly guided this Ministry's pro-gramme for the past two years. I refer the hon. Gentleman to the establishment of the Food Safety Directorate, the Consumer Panel, regular meetings with consumer organisations, and my recent announcement of a review of flood defence and coastal protection with those concerned, including environmental organisations.
As I indicated on appointment, this is a consumer Ministry. I have already announced the restructuring of our regional organisation to make it more effective in meeting the requirements of its customers.
The citizens charter principles will be taken forward in the Ministry and its agencies.