§ 25. Captain Duncanasked the Minister of Food whether he will implement the recent recommendations of the Food Standards Committee on the minimum fruit content of certain jams and marmalade.
§ The Minister of Food (Major Lloyd George)The Committee's final recommendations have now been received and I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.
§ Captain DuncanHow shortly? As the Committee made its recommendations months ago, has there not been ample time for representations to be made and for my right hon. and gallant Friend to consider them?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo, Sir. A preliminary report was made at the end of April and all interested parties were given until 10th May to make their protests. Those representations have been studied by the Committee, and the final report has only just been sent to me.
§ Mr. SnowIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is acute anxiety among soft fruit growers, such as the Essex strawberry growers, that they will not be able to dispose of their crops again this year? They do not understand, nor do I, why the proposed minima for fruit inclusion in jam should be so low.