§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to publish the new Scottish food hygiene regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 29 June 1992]: Formal consultations were held last year on proposals to introduce statutory temperature controls for certain foodstuffs. These were followed by discussions with representatives of trade interests and with local authorites which would be responsible for enforcement. A number of substantial points of practical detail are still being considered. In the meantime, the European Commission has published a draft directive on the hygiene of foodstuffs which deals with all aspects of food hygiene, including temperature controls. Until the terms of the EC directive have been finalised, it will not be practicable to revise the Food Hygiene (Scotland) Regulations.