asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about European Community proposals for food irradiation; and if he has any plans to ensure that treated food is labelled.

The import and sale of irradiated food in this country remains prohibited while the Government consider the advice of their independent committees, including recommendations on labelling, in the report on the safety and wholesomeness of irradiated foods, together with representations on it.The European Commission has not yet issued any formal proposals to harmonise national laws pertaining to irradiated foods in member states. A proposal to amend the EC labelling directive would, if adopted, require the clear labelling of irradiated foods and irradiated ingredients of food marketed in the Community.