§ 43. Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has completed his consideration of the comments of interested parties on his draft proposals for regulations governing the composition and description of ice cream; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareI am still considering these comments.
§ Mr. HaymanIs the Minister aware that a conference of European milk producers, recently held in Cremona, passed a resolution calling on all Governments that had not already done so to bring in 549 legislation to define ice cream as a product made only from butter fat? Will he take that resolution into account?
§ Mr. HareCertainly. I have taken that into account, as well as a number of other representations made by parties on both sides of the argument. I think that the hon. Gentleman will agree that there is very strong feeling on the subject, and that that very strong feeling exists on the one side just as much as on the other.
Mr. T. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on this question there are very strong feelings in all parts of the House; and will he take that seriously into account before reaching a final conclusion?
§ Mr. HareI have already said, and I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman knows, that I am considering all these representations; not only what has been given to me by various organised bodies but the sentiments expressed on this matter on both sides of the House.
§ Mr. WilleyCan the Minister say whether this has been discussed with the New Zealand Government, who are making representations to us about butter?
§ Mr. HareI think that it would be much better for me to make a statement when I am in a position to do so. I would rather not answer that question at the moment.