Written question asked by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 October 2010. It was answered by Anne Milton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 October 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Non-departmental Public Bodies

Question: (3) pursuant to the statement of 14 October 2010, Official Report, columns 505-06, on public bodies reform, what the functions of the Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment are; which of these functions are to be retained; and which bodies he proposes to have responsibility for fulfilling these functions.

Answer: The function of the Committee on Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COM) and the Committee on Carcinogenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COC) is to provide advice to Government Departments and Agencies on the potential mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, respectively, of chemicals, from natural products to new synthetic chemicals used in pesticides or pharmaceuticals.The function of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants (COMEAP) is to provide advice to Government Departments and Agencies on all matters concerning the potential toxicity and effects upon health of air pollutants. The functions of COM, COMEAP and COC will remain unchanged, following their reconstitution into departmental committees of experts. Once the change is effected COM, COMEAP and COC will continue to undertake their function but as departmental committees of experts.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 18310; 516 c792-3W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Public Bodies Reform
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Proceeding contributions
House of Commons
Subjects: Public bodies Department of Health
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk