§ Mr. GummerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assistance she proposes to support local councils with the additional expense of the increased regulations relating to the testing of food of non-animal origin at ports of entry. [75919]
§ Ms BlearsI have been asked to reply.
I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that financing of import controls, including for the testing of food of non-animal origin, will be covered by a European Commission proposal for a regulation on official feed and food controls. This is expected in late November 2002. The Agency will consult on it with all its stakeholders. It will, in particular, work closely with local and port health authorities in considering the charging arrangements for import controls, including the option of full cost recovery.
§ Mr. GummerTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs what the cost was to the UK for each of the past five years of the inspection of imports of food of non-animal origin. [75923]
§ Ms BlearsI have been asked to reply.
I am advised by the Food Standards Agency that the information requested on the costs to the United Kingdom of inspection of food of non-animal origin is not held centrally. Local authorities have responsibility for the inspection of imports of food of non-animal origin.
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