The Secretary of State is a Minister designated(1) for the purposes of making Regulations under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972(2) in relation to measures in the veterinary and phytosanitary fields for the protection of public health.

The Secretary of State has carried out the consultation required by Article 9 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety(3).

In accordance with section 56(1) of the Finance Act 1973(4), the Treasury consent to the making of these Regulations.