HC Deb 29 October 2001 vol 373 cc550-1W
Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she proposes to ensure that scientists involved in public research into food safety are adequately qualified. [9920]

Ms Blears

I have been asked to reply.

All research projects for the Food Standards Agency are subjected to expert appraisal before being commissioned to ensure that their scientific quality and the competence of the proposer are acceptable.

Mr. Peter Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will made a statement on the safety of British lamb. [9915]

Ms Blears

I have been asked to reply.

I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that its advice continues to be that, while consumers should be aware of the theoretical risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in sheep, it does not advise them to avoid consumption of lamb.

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