§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations were received from the Co-operative Movement during the public consultation on the draft Bill for a Food Standards Agency, on the proposal for an annual levy of £90 on all food outlets. [HL1795]
§ Lord DonoughueWe received a number of responses to our consultation from the Co-operative Movement which commented on the levy proposals. These suggested that alternative methods of funding the agency be found or, failing that, that the levy should be graduated rather than be a flat rate.
We are now reviewing these responses, along with all the others received during the consultation, and will consider carefully all the comments made before deciding how to proceed.
§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What criticisms were made in the public consultation which ended on 24 March of the proposal in the draft Bill for a Food Standards Agency to impose an annual levy of £90 on all food outlets; and what action they will be taking. [HL1794]
§ Lord DonoughueWe received about 950 responses to the consultation. Around three-quarters of these commented on the levy proposals. Many criticised the proposal that the levy be set at a flat rate, and suggested that alternative methods of funding the agency be found or proposed ways of graduating the levy.
We are now reviewing the responses and considering carefully all the comments made before deciding how to proceed.