§ 41. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture, if, in compliance with the request made to him by the National Federation of Women's Institutes, he will extend the national mark to jams, pickles, bottled fruits and vegetables so as to safeguard consumers and to enable them to distinguish home-grown fruit and vegetables from others appearing on the market, and also to prevent the waste of British home produce?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)Pending the conclusion of an investigation now being made, I am not in a position to consider the practicability of applying the National Mark to vegetables other than canned vegetables, which are already provided for. I am making inquiries with a view to the inclusion of bottled fruits within the scope of the National Mark scheme. As regards the other products mentioned, I hope to introduce an amending Bill shortly to enable me to extend the provisions of the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1928, to articles of food derived from agricultural products.
§ Mr. HURDCan the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects to finish this inquiry as affecting jam?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe draft report is already in existence, and I think it is being considered.
§ Dr. ADDISONBy those concerned.