FOOD SAFETY

Early day motion 162, tabled 8 January 2001 by Gordon Prentice (Labour). Signed by 76 members.

That this House endorses the view of Judge Peter Heppell QC who reportedly told the Crown Court in Hull in December 2000 that a review of the penalties for contravening the Food Safety Act should be put in train; considers the sentences available to the Court in cases where adulterated and rotten meat destined for the petfood market ends up in food for humans are totally inadequate; and calls on the Government to act swiftly to increase the powers available to the courts and to restore public confidence in the food industry.

Signatures by party: Labour 51, Liberal Democrat 15, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 3, UUP 2.