To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he took to consult interested parties prior to his announcement of a ban on higher dose vitamin B6 supplements. [10881]

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for South-East Cambridgeshire (Mr. Paice) on 29 July 1997, Official Report, columns 20–21.

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he proposes to take to impose a ban on higher dose vitamin B6 supplements. [10882]

The Government have no intention of imposing a ban on higher dose vitamin B6 products. It has accepted advice from the independent Food Advisory Committee that the level of vitamin B6 in dietary supplements sold under food law should be limited to a maximum of 10 mg per daily dose. This limit will be introduced by regulations under the Food Safety Act 1990. However, higher dose products licensed as medicines for the treatment of specific clinical conditions will continue to be available from pharmacies and on prescription.