§ 4. Mr. P. Browneasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that some dairies are applying the words Including Imported Butter to a product which contains no home-produced butter; and if he will take steps to stop this practice.
§ 11. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that foreign and Commonwealth-produced butter is being labelled with the words Home Produced in retail shops in the United Kingdom; and if he will take steps to stop this practice.
§ Mr. SoamesUnder the terms of the relevant marking order the phrase "Including Imported Butter" is one of 979 the permissible descriptions for blends and mixtures of butter which consist of or contain imported butter. An Amendment to the Order can only be made after an inquiry by the appropriate Standing Committee under the Merchandise Marks Act, 1926. A question can only be referred to the Committee after an application has been received which substantially represents one of the interests involved. No such application has been received. I have received no report that foreign and Commonwealth produced butter is at present being labelled with the words "home produced". If my hon. Friend will send me details of specific cases I will gladly look into them.
§ Mr. BrowneIs my right hon. Friend aware that this practice is going on at the moment, and that butter from the Commonwealth is being mixed with foreign butter and sold with a "Home Produced" label on it? I will certainly send him the details if he wishes.
§ Mr. SoamesI should be most grateful.