Machinery of Government Changes

Tuesday 20th July 2010 Written Statements

[The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron)]

Three Machinery of Government changes are being announced today affecting the responsibilities of the Food Standards Agency in England; responsibility for Directgov; and responsibility for the Licensing Act 2003. Legislation to give full effect to some of these changes will be brought forward in due course.

Food Standards Agency in England

The Government recognise the important role of the Food Standards Agency in England, which will continue to be responsible for food safety. The Food Standards Agency will remain a non-ministerial department reporting to Parliament through Health Ministers.

In England, nutrition policy will become a responsibility of the Secretary of State for Health. Food labelling and food composition policy, where not related to food safety, will become a responsibility of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Directgov

Responsibility for Directgov will transfer from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to the Minister for the Cabinet Office.

The Licensing Act 2003

Responsibility for the Licensing Act 2003, except in relation to regulated entertainment, will transfer from the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to the Home Secretary.

Further details of these changes, and other recent significant changes, will be published in due course and copies will be placed in the House Libraries.