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(a) the handling of the overpayments already incurred--including the possibilities of accelerated repayment of the remaining amounts and of waiving an additional sum as part of a wider package ; and (

(b) the best way of developing incentive fee scales within the remuneration system, in pursuit of the policy objectives I have outlined.

I believe this represents a substantive response to the profession's understandable concerns. We have addressed those elements of the 1990-91 overpayment which clearly merit exceptional treatment and where we have enough evidence to act now. We have also set the framework for constructive discussion on the handling of the remaining pay issues in support of the GP contract through the 1992-93 pay round and beyond. I look to the profession for a similarly constructive response.

Food Hygiene

Mr. Pike : To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the current position of food hygiene training requirements in relation to the Food Safety Act 1990 ; and on the relative operative date for these regulations.

Mr. Dorrell : I have been asked to reply.

Following comments made in response to our general consultative paper on food hygiene training, we have been considering what the scope of the regulations should be and will be announcing our conclusions in due course. No operative date has yet been fixed.

Mr. Pike : To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the registration of all food premises with local authorities in accordance with the Food Safety Act 1990 will become compulsory ; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dorrell : I have been asked to reply.

Draft regulations on registration of premises used for a food business have been issued for public consultation. We shall be laying the definitive regulations shortly.

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