HC Deb 29 November 1956 vol 561 cc558-9
20. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what decisions have been reached in respect of colouring substances in food; when regulations are to be introduced to give effect to the decision; and what restrictions are contemplated in the use of coal-tar dyes for painting kippers and the colouring of many items of food.

Mr. Amory

As I told the hon. Member on the 25th June, the Government have accepted the recommendations of the Food Standards Committee to permit the use in food of certain specified colours only, and I hope that it will be possible to introduce regulations early in the New Year. The only coal-tar dyes to be permitted will be those recommended by the Committee.

Mr. Dodds

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether there will be any radical change in the present treatment of kippers?

Mr. Amory

There will be no enforced change. I think that in relation to the use of colour in kippers there is an insistence that the colours used shall be on the permitted list.