Food Standards Agency (Hansard, 3 December 1998)

§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Lord Donoughue)

The Government are fully committed to the establishment of the food standards agency as set out in the White Paper published in January 1998. It is a matter of regret that, because of the Government's heavy legislative programme in other areas, it has not been possible to secure a space in the forthcoming parliamentary session. My right honourable friends the Secretaries of State for Health, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and the Minister are determined nevertheless to move action forward where we can, in the meantime, in ways which do not require legislation.

Since the general election, this Government have made a number of improvements to the way in which food safety and standards issues are handled. Officials from MAFF and DH are now working together in a Joint Food Standards and Safety Group, which reports directly to both the Secretary of State for Health and my right honourable friend the Minister. The group also liaises closely with the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland Offices. The safety of the consumer lies at the heart of our decision making.

I am holding discussions with my right honourable friends as to how we can, in practical terms, enhance these current joint working arrangements and lay further foundations for the agency. As soon as we have completed these discussions, I will make a further announcement to the House. A draft Bill will be published in due course.