HC Deb 28 July 1958 vol 592 cc940-1
38. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects a copy of the new regulations regarding the manufacture and sale of ice cream will be available to honourable Members.

Mr. John Hare

I hope to lay the regulations in the autumn.

Mr. Dye

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that discussions which have taken place on this subject with farmers and others are causing widespread concern? Will he not consult hon. Members on both sides of the House before laying the regulations?

Mr. Hare

This is a very important matter, and I am giving ample time for proper consultations with those affected. I shall certainly need some time to consider representations made to me.

Mr. Willey

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that ice cream is a first-class medium for encouraging the consumption of milk? Will he therefore accept my hon. Friend's suggestion and meet hon. Members on both sides of the House, who are very upset by the proposals he has put forward?

Mr. Hare

I could not agree more with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of ice cream being potentially a use of far greater quantities of milk than is now the case. That is why I am setting up this dairy ice cream concept. I will certainly consider what has been said, but I cannot pledge myself to a definite "Yes" or "No".