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20 July 1998 SMALL FOODSTORES EXEMPT FROM FUNDING FSA? SMALL foodstores may win an exemption from funding the new Food Standards Agency. The Governments White Paper on the establishment of
the FSA called for a flat £100 charge on all of the UKs 600,000 registered food premises to raise £60 million. But last weeks comprehensive spending review revealed that charges would be
phased in and that there might be a special arrangement for small businesses. Exemptions could be based on turnover, number of employees or square footage. A graduated licence fee is also
under consideration. The cross-party Commons agriculture committee is among the objectors to any kind of a licensing fee. It now also looks as though Jeff Rooker, food safety minister, might
fail to publish a draft Bill on the agency before the summer recess. Funding details will not be decided until the autumn, says the _Financial Times_. * _Financial Times 20/07/98 page 6 _