To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what way she plans to implement the product safety directive concerning the mixing of unwrapped non-food articles with food products; what is the purpose of this legislation; what representations she has received from the food industry on this issue; what food products will be exempted; and if she will make a statement. [10204]

The general product Ssfety directive lays down general rules for assessing the safety of consumer products. There is concern that if unwrapped non-food items are sold mixed in with food products there would be a possibility that consumers could accidentally ingest them with consequent risk of injury. It has been agreed that European member states will ascertain whether such products are on sale within their national territories and inform the European Commission accordingly. My Department is investigating the position in the UK. I have received no representations from the food industry on this subject.