Written question asked by David Tredinnick (Conservative) on Monday, 22 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 March 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Thursday, 25 March 1999 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, for what reason the forthcoming report of the Ad Hoc Expert Advisory Group in relation to the safety of vitamin B6 and other supplements is to be considered by the Food Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the role of Professor Frank Woods in the process.

Answer: Mr. Tredinnick: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reason the forthcoming report of the Ad Hoc Expert Advisory Group in relation to the safety of vitamin B6 and other supplements is to be considered by the Food Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the role of Professor Frank Woods in the process. [78561] Mr. Rooker: The Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals is primarily concerned with risk assessment and will be considering the scientific data on the safety of vitamins and minerals. Its membership reflects this role. The Food Advisory Committee (FAC) is a broader-based Committee which, among other things, is concerned with risk management. It will therefore take account of factors outside the remit of the Expert Group when considering what, if any, recommendations should be made to the Government in the light of the Expert Group's report. It will be the role of all the FAC members collectively to consider the report from the Expert Group and to offer advice to Ministers on whatever action the Committee considers ought to be taken in the light of the Expert Group's conclusions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 78561; 328 c410W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Health hazards Safety Vitamins Vitamin B6 Food Advisory Committee Vitamins and Minerals Expert Group Woods, Frank