To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he plans to have with food manufacturers on the subject of food contamination or sabotage; and what measures he will take to combat this type of crime.

We have already set up arrangements to ensure close contact with the food industry, other interested Government Departments, enforcement auth-orities and the police when incidents of this type occur. Our chief concern is possible risks to the public, and I am confident that food manufacturers and retailers are aware of the need to have well-prepared plans for co-ordinated action to minimise these. Guidance on drawing up such plans has recently been issued by the relevant trade associations. The question of crime is a matter for the police.