Lamb Demands that Government Pursues UK Interests over Food Supplements Directive

11.38.30am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 10th Aug 2006

Norman Lamb, Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, has called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to ensure that the UK's interests are fulfilled through the Food Supplements Directive.

In a letter to Tony Blair, Mr Lamb asks if the Prime Minister could "confirm that the UK Government will take a tough political lead in promoting the UK's objectives for this legislation in Europe."

Norman Lamb writes in response to concerns raised by Consumers for Health Choice (CHC), who told Mr Lamb that a European Commission published Discussion Document on the setting of maximum and minimum amounts for vitamins and minerals in foods does not mention approaches taken in the UK's Expert Advisory Group on Vitamins and Minerals. Their concern is that proposals within the legislation will restrict access by consumers to dietary supplements of their choice.

The director of the CHC, Susan Croft, adds: "The Liberal Democrats in Westminster and Brussels have also been most helpful recently in assisting us with our campaign with support for our position, and sponsorship of our Reception, coming from the Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Health."