Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There are ongoing discussions and meetings between government officials and the Food Standards Agency on matters of common concern.
What recent (a) discussions and (b) meetings have you had with the Food Standards Agency?
My ministerial colleagues and I are in regular contact with the Food Standards Agency on matters of common concern.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide details about specific recent discussions or meetings
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Food Standards Agency is due to produce its annual report next week, which may include significant changes affecting the seafood industry.
Next week the Food Standards Agency will produce its annual report and hold its annual general meeting. That report is likely to recommend significant changes regarding live bivalve molluscs, which have a huge impact on my constituency and on the health of the nation for those who eat seafood. Will the Minister commit that any changes recommended in the report next week will be brought forward in record time, so that they may be implemented quickly and we can secure the future of the seafood industry in the United Kingdom?
It is a change to be talking about a different sort of mussel in this place during Health questions. The Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Victoria Prentis) and I are well aware of the challenges that currently face the shellfish industry, and I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Totnes (Anthony Mangnall) for his dogged determination, especially on behalf of those businesses that rely on exports. We will continue to work closely with the FSA, which I know has been working hard to resolve these issues and make progress. I have been advised that there is potential for change to ensure that classifications are awarded in a proportionate and pragmatic way, while continuing to ensure high levels of public health protection.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to implementing changes quickly as requested
Response accuracy