HC Deb 07 July 1955 vol 543 cc1277-8
7. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to have an abridged edition of Her Majesty's Stationery Office booklet, "The Advertising, Labelling and Composition of Food," published so that housewives can understand it.

Mr. Amory

So much of this booklet is now out of date that the issue of an abridged edition would not be helpful. I am, however, considering whether information helpful to consumers could be given in some other form.

9. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to detect noncompliance with the standards described in Her Majesty's Stationery Office booklet, "The Advertising, Labelling and Composition of Food," in cases where the standards are enforceable.

Mr. Amory

Enforcement in these cases is a matter for the local food and drugs authorities, which have adequate powers under existing legislation.

Mrs. Mann

I understand that there are adequate powers, but I am told that the staffs have been greatly cut down through recent changes at the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry. Is that so?

Mr. Amory

No, enforcement depends on the work of the staffs of the local authorities concerned, for which I have no responsibility.

10. Mrs. Mann

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up an independent consumer research organisation to guide and advise housewives in respect of the advertising, labelling, composition, and prices of food.

Mr. Amory

No, Sir. I am anxious to encourage an informed public opinion on these matters, and under recent legislation further provision has been made for protecting housewives against abuse of advertising, labelling and composition of foodstuffs. But if any organisation of the kind suggested by the hon. Lady were to be contemplated, it would seem more appropriate for it to be set up by voluntary action.

Mrs. Mann

But the local authorities cannot have sufficient staff, apart from the weights and measures inspector, who protects the housewife to some extent, so would it not be possible to advise local authorities to have someone else additional to the inspector for this type of work, if the right hon. Gentleman does not consider setting up a research council?

Mr. Amory

My feeling is that work of the kind which the hon. Lady has in mind is not work which is best done directly by the Government.