asked the Minister for Health if he intends to take any steps to control the use and consumption of saccharine.

: The question of the potential hazards to human health arising from saccharine consumption was referred to the EEC Scientific Committee for Food for their advice in 1977. The committee thought that a ban on the use of saccharine was not warranted but that certain precautions should be taken to inform consumers and to protect vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.

Following receipt of the committee's recommendations, the EEC Commission asked on 29 March last that, until such time as Community provisions on saccharine may be elaborated, member states should take the necessary measures to ensure that:— (i) the quantities of saccharine in food are such that the acceptable daily intake will not normally be exceeded; (ii) the use of saccharine in infant foods be prohibited; (iii) that foods containing saccharine are labelled to indicate its presence; and (iv) that saccharine sold in tablet form be so labelled to inform the purchaser of the possible dangers of excessive consumption of saccharine especially in the case of pregnant women and children.

I am consulting the various interests involved prior to my making regulations on the above lines.

: Does the Minister intend making the regulations?

: Yes.

: When?

: As soon as these consultations which are proceeding are finished.

: Next month?

: Yes, possibly.