§ Mr. SimpsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) of 2 June,Official Report, column 430, what position the Government have adopted on the Commission's consultation paper on dietary supplement as in respect of the suggestion that vitamin supplements should only be available on prescription; and when he expects the European Community scientific committee on food to complete its consideration.
§ Mr. SoamesThe Commission consultation paper on dietary supplements contains no suggestion that vitamin supplements should be available only on prescription. The Government's general position is that consumers should be able to choose for themselves whether to buy dietary supplements that are safe. The Commission expects the EC scientific committee for food to reach conclusions about acceptable upper levels for vitamins and minerals in the autumn.