HC Deb 02 March 1992 vol 205 c36W
Mr. Tredinnick

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the operation of his Department's consumer panel.

Mr. Maclean

Since it was set up by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in November 1989, the consumer panel has proved to be a fruitful means of obtaining the views of the ordinary consumer. I have therefore agreed that it should continue. I have today announced the names of the persons who have agreed to serve on the panel for its second term. They are: Mr. Philip Bell, Mrs. Judy Brander, Mrs. Dorothy Craig, Mrs. Harriet Kimbell, Mrs. Suzi Leather, Mrs. Jean McVitty, Mrs. Maeve Robertson, Mr. Gareth Morgan, Mrs. Karen Powell and Mrs. Noel Whamond.

Although individuals have been nominated by specific consumer organisations, they are appointed in a personal capacity to serve as ordinary consumers and to represent the views of ordinary consumers. I look forward to their playing a part in the continuing development of Government policies on food safety, diet and nutrition and consumer protection issues.

In order to help better focus the panel's discussion on the issues it considers, I have revised the terms of reference for the panel. These are now:

  1. (i) to bring to the attention of Ministers food issues of concern to consumer;
  2. (ii) to advise on the transparency for consumers of Ministers' food policies;
  3. (iii) to advise on the transmission to consumers of advice and information relating to Ministers' policies on food safety, diet and nutrition.