SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC ANALYSTS

Early day motion 238, tabled 10 December 2008 by Willie Rennie (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 34 members.

That this House notes the importance of public analysts as part of the wider framework of food quality checks; recognises the crucial role of public analysts in Ireland and Northern Ireland by enforcing the recall of all Irish-produced pork products after they identified that animal feed contaminated with the harmful toxins had infected pig products; notes with concern that 11 public analyst laboratories have closed in the last 13 years; is alarmed that there are currently only 24 public analyst laboratories left; is deeply concerned that poor funding means that the wider public health role of public analysts is in danger despite the increasing demand by consumers for better quality goods; and calls on the Government to conduct a review of arrangements for the funding of public analysts to ensure that food quality and safety is not compromised by spending restrictions.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 20, Labour 12, Conservative 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.