§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will announce the membership of the Ad Hoc Expert Advisory Group on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements. [61013]
§ Mr. RookerDetails of the membership of the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals were given in my replies to my hon. Friend for Croydon, Central (Mr. Davies) on 12 November 1998,Official Report, column 314, and my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet (Dr. Ladyman) on 7 May 1998, Official Report, columns 456–57. The only change from the information given in those replies is that Professor Woods has stood down from the Group.
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish the guidance which he gave to the Ad Hoc Advisory Group on its terms of reference on vitamin and mineral supplements [61014]
§ Mr. RookerThe Terms of Reference of the Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals are to
218Westablish principles on which controls for ensuring the safety of vitamins and mineral supplements sold under food law can be based;review the levels of individual vitamins and minerals associated with adverse effects;recommend maximum levels of intakes of vitamins and minerals from supplements if appropriate;report to the Food Advisory Committee.The group will also be able to advise on the levels of vitamins and minerals in fortified foods, if it considers this is appropriate.
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that the new Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements has access to expert opinion from Europe and the USA. [61015]
§ Mr. RookerThe Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals will consider all relevant scientific information on the safety of vitamins and minerals through comprehensive searches of world-wide databases of information and by making a public call for interested parties to submit relevant information.