Vol. 514 No. 6
77 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the timescale for the completion of the work of the new food quality assurance group; when a full report will be made by the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5042/00]
Membership of this group is being finalised and I hope to make an announcement soon.
The function of the group will be to review quality schemes currently in operation in the light of the current and future requirements of consumers and the food industry; to examine the accreditation procedures applying to each scheme and to make appropriate recommendations.
Although a completion date for the group's work has yet to be fixed, I would not envisage it extending beyond the end of this year.
