§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made towards the establishment of the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs; and if he will make a statement. [91390]
§ Mr. RookerI am delighted to announce the appointment of 13 members to the new Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs. This Committee will provide valuable independent advice to the future Food Standards Agency and Agriculture Ministers. By examining the safety and use of animal feedingstuffs, which are an integral part of the food chain, the Committee will play a key role in promoting food safety in the UK. Reviewing the implications of new developments, particularly the use of genetically modified materials, will be especially important.
The 13 members and their main area of expertise are Dr. Ian Brown (occupational health), Mr. John Cheetham (local authority enforcement), Dr. Andrew Chesson (animal nutrition), Mrs. Gilli Davies (consumer), Mr. Paul Foxcroft (animal by-products), Dr. John Heritage (novel technology), Mrs. Fiona Hodgson (lay member), Mr. Robert Moore (veterinary practice), Mr. Andrew Peddie (farming), Dr. Helen Raine (feed compounding), Dr. Desmond Rice (feed compounding and veterinary background), Professor Ian Shaw (toxicology) and Dr. Michael Stringer (microbiology). Professor Phillip Thomas was appointed Chairman on 12 April.