§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to ensure that the Food Standards Agency levy will be structured in such a way as not to penalise disproportionately small food producers and retailers. [27144]
§ Mr. RookerThe Government will consult closely with key interested parties, including representatives of small businesses, in drawing up detailed proposals for a mechanism that would allow a greater part of the costs of food safety work to be passed from the taxpayer onto the food industry. In formulating their proposals, the Government will consider carefully the need to take into account the size of the business, among other factors.