§ 11. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food if he will now take action to ban the colouring of kippers with coal-tar dyes and encourage a return to the practice of producing the appetising appearance and health-giving properties by smoking instead of painting.
§ The Minister of Food (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)The addition to food of colouring matters including coal-tar dyes has been the subject of a recently published report by the Food Standards Committee. Consideration is now being given to representations from interested parties with a view to a decision on the Committee's recommendations.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes that answer apply to this Question or to my next Question; and whether it does or does not, can the right hon. Gentleman give a categorical denial that the dyeing of kippers is harmful to health?
Mr. AmoryMy intervention must be limited to that, to harmful effects. I am anxious to consider the recommendations and representations made in connection with this before I reach a decision,
§ Mr. Beresford CraddockIs is not a fact that kippers have been dyed with basic dyestuffs for many years and that research has shown that there is no harmful effect?
§ Mr. Edward EvansDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the question of the "painted ladies" is among the least of the anxieties of the herring industry, which has much more difficult problems to surmount?
§ 12. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Food what has been the response of producers and manufacturers to his invitation to give their point of view in respect to the proposal to ban colouring substances in foods, as recommended by the preservatives sub-committee of the Food Standards Committee.
§ 16. Dr. Broughtonasked the Minister of Food what comments he has now received from the catering industry, from manufacturers of colouring materials used in food, or from other interested bodies, on the report of the Preservatives Sub-Committee of the Food Standards Committee concerning the preparation of an approved list of substances which may be added to food.
Mr. AmoryThe comments received to date relate for the most part to points of detail concerning the recommended colours. Some objections have also been lodged against the principle of a restricted list of colours for use in food.
§ Mr. DoddsWhat is the Minister going to do about this? What sort of recommendations has he received from the trade? Is he going to do anything about them?
Mr. AmoryYes, I thought I had indicated that we allowed a period for anyone to make representations, who desired to do so—
Mr. AmoryYes, to 31st March. That period is now over, and I am actively considering what action is required.
§ Dr. BroughtonWill the Minister look upon this matter as one of some urgency in view of the statements that were made in the report, and will he make sure that coal-tar derivatives used in colouring foods will be prohibited in the near future?
Mr. AmoryI agree with the hon. Gentleman that this is an important matter. I will take into consideration what he has mentioned, and I can assure him that there will be no avoidable delay in taking action.
§ Mr. Hector HughesHaving regard to the unique methods used by the Aberdeen kipperer, would it not he a good idea to send a body of experts or a delegation to Aberdeen to study the methods used there in order to have a proper appreciation of the position?
Mr. AmoryI regard the hon. and learned Gentleman as an expert himself in these matters, and I shall rely upon his advice.