§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the European Commission to publish the consultation document on dietary supplements; and if he will make a statement on the steps which he has taken to date to promote to other European Governments his policy on access to dietary supplements. [34003]
§ Mrs. BrowningThe timetable for the production of the proposed discussion document on vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements is in the hands of the European Commission. We do not yet know when it will be issued.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what response he has made to the Shrimpton report on essential nutrients in supplements; and what plans he has to consult interested consumer and practitioner organisations about using the recommendations of that report as the basis for negotiations within the European Union in connection with the forthcoming consultation document on dietary supplements. [34004]
§ Mrs. BrowningWe have noted this report commissioned by the European Federation of Associations of Health Product Manufacturers and will take its conclusions into account in considering issues relating to the safety of dietary supplements. We have no104W plans to consult interested parties on the recommendations of the Shrimpton report, which was commissioned by industry and not by Government.