§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce further deregulation regarding food hygiene and public health regulations. [24925]
§ Mr. BoswellHygiene legislation is very largely harmonised at the level of the European Community, and is under review by the European Commission. In anticipation of EC proposals, the Government have consulted widely about possible simplification and rationalisation of food hygiene legislation. This revealed widespread support for consolidation of the large number of directives involved, providing necessary public health protection is not diluted. EC proposals are expected shortly.