Dietary Supplements (Hansard, 18 July 1995)

§ Mr. Hain
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has concerning steps which are taken by officials of DGXV to ensure that the views of the European Commission on impediments to a single market when considering the possibility of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements are not unduly influenced by organised campaigns by companies seeking market advantage; and if he will make a statement. [35099]

§ Mrs. Browning
DGXV, the consumer affairs directorate of the European Commission, is open to representations from all interested parties on areas within its remit. However, there have been no recent proposals from the Commission to regulate dietary supplements. If any such proposals appear then they shall be circulated to all interested parties for comment.

§ Mr. Hain
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure the continued availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements to United Kingdom consumers; what steps he intends to take in the light of the forthcoming European commission consultation document on such matters to defend the interests of British consumers and nutritional therapists; and if he will make a statement. [35100]

§ Mrs. Browning
I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 20 June,Official Report, column 189.

§ Mr. Hain
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many officials of his Department have in the past been seconded to work with DGIII; what part such secondees played in drafting the European Commission discussion document on nutritional supplements produced in December 1991; if they have now(a) returned to placement with his Department, (b) remain with DGIII or (c) obtained employment with pharmaceutical companies; and if he will make a statement. [35097]

§ Mr. Boswell
[holding answer 17 July 1995]: Since 1991, three officials from my Department have been seconded to DGIII of the European Commission. Two of them remain there. The other official was engaged in the drafting of the EC nutritional supplements document and returned to the Department in 1992.