§ 21. Sir A. Baillieasked the Minister of Health whether any action has been taken by him under the Food and Drugs Act to meet the desires of British bee-keepers with regard to the labelling of pure honey and to the desirability of enabling the public to differentiate between pure honey and the composite product which, under present conditions, is often sold as honey in this country?
§ Mr. ElliotI have received representations asking me to make a regulation under Section 8 of the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, to control the sale of honey mixtures. I am giving these representations careful consideration, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that I cannot in any case make a regulation to operate before 1st October, 1939, when the Act itself comes into operation.
§ Sir A. KnoxWill the right hon. Gentleman realise that his predecessors have been giving consideration to this matter for the last 14 years and that bee-keepers are not yet satisfied about the position?
§ Mr. ElliotThe hon. and gallant Member will realise that I could not act in advance of the authority given me by this House.
§ Sir Percy HarrisWill the regulations be published as soon as the law permits, because action will be not only in the interests of the producers of honey but of the consumers, who have been deceived by misleading labels?