HC Deb 12 March 1996 vol 273 cc577-8W
Mr. Hain

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to receive a copy of the forthcoming European Commission discussion document on vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements; and what plans he has to ensure that(a) copies of that document are available immediately upon its publication to (i) the Society for the Promotion of Nutritional Therapy, (ii) other organisations representing practitioners of nutritional therapy and (iii) organisations representing consumers of dietary supplements, and (b) British consumers' access to such supplements is not adversely affected by any directive arising out of the consultation on that document. [19671]

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 11 March 1996]: The timetable for the production of the proposed discussion document on vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements is in the hands of the European Commission. I understand that it is unlikely to be issued before the summer. The Ministry has undertaken to consult fully with all interested parties, including the Society for the Promotion of Nutritional Therapy and organisations representing consumers of dietary supplements, as soon as the document is received. The consultation exercise will also be announced in the food safety information bulletin.

The Government's policy is to ensure that consumers have as much choice as possible in their access to vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements, provided that public health is not compromised. If any formal proposal for legislation on the sale of dietary supplements were to be made following discussion of the document, the United Kingdom position would reflect this policy.

Mr. Hain

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what drafts of the forthcoming European Commission discussion document on vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements his Department has received; and if he will place copies of these drafts in the Library. [19672]

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 11 March 1996]: My Department has not received any drafts of the forthcoming European Commission discussion document on vitamins, minerals and other dietary supplements.

Mr. Hain

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy on the availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements. [19673]

Mrs. Browning

[holding answer 11 March 1996]: The Government's policy is to ensure that consumers have as much choice as possible in their access to vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements, provided that public health is not compromised.