§ Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his proposed regulations on the retail sale of vitamin B6 have been passed for approval to the European Commission; if he will identify the EC Directive under which such approval must be obtained; if he will indicate the procedures and timetables through which a company in another member state may raise a formal objection to t he proposals under the provisions of that Directive; and if he will make a statement. [33515]
§ Mr. RookerThe draft regulations which will implement the Government's proposed restriction on the levels of vitamin B6 in food supplements will shortly be notified to the European Commission under Directive 83/189 (the technical Standards Directive) and Directive 79/112 (the Food Labelling Directive). The Technical Standards Directive requires that there shall be a three-month standstill period from the date of notification. During this period, the Commission and other member states have the opportunity to comment on the proposed regulations. It is a matter for individual member states whether, and on what basis, they choose to consult outside interests about measures notified under these procedures.