§ 30. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to restrict the making of extravagant claims of weight-reducing and energy-giving properties by the advertisers of certain brands of bread and bread substitutes, in view of the criticism and recommendations published by the Food Standards Committee in its Report on Bread and Flour.
§ 35. Mr. Darlingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take on the recommendations of the Food Standards Committee with regard to the ingredients of bread, advertising descriptions, and claims of bread manufacturers.
§ 52. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether in view of the recent recommendations of the Food Standards Committee on speciality breads for which claims are made that they are protein enriched, or starch reduced, or described as slimming bread, he will make regulations forbidding the advertising of claims of this nature.
§ Mr. SoamesThe interests concerned have been given until 17th February, 1961, to make representations about the Report on Bread and Flour. I shall give 588 full consideration to any representations received before deciding whether to implement the Committee's recommendations.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerThe Minister will be aware of what one can only describe as lying propaganda by the manufacturers of these products. This was brought to the attention of the House a long time ago. When the right hon. Gentleman refers to "the interests concerned" does he mean the manufacturers, advertising agents and other advertising bodies? Can he give an assurance that, if their representations do not satisfy him that the Committee has made a mistake, he will take drastic action?
§ Mr. SoamesRepresentations are open to a very wide range of interests. The House will understand that I must leave myself free to consider them before I make a statement.
§ Mr. ManuelThe right hon. Gentleman has the evidence.
§ Mr. LiptonWill the Minister make it clear that members of the general public are also permitted to make representations to him before 17th February on the contents and recommendations of this Report?
§ Mr. SoamesThe recommendations are coming primarily from organised bodies.
§ Dr. StrossDoes not the Minister consider that misrepresentation of fact of this kind is grossly unfair to the public? Does he think it is enough merely that representations should be made? Why should he not help actively in the matter?
§ Mr. SoamesI will. I have received the Report and it has been published. I have given until 17th February for representations to be made, and I will then make up my mind on the matter and make a statement.