§ 40. Mr. Lomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation compelling manufacturers to show on tinned foods a date of expiry after which the contents should no longer be used.
§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Fred Peart)In its comprehensive Report on Food Labelling, the Food Standards Committee took the view that a requirement for date stamping was not practical because so much depended on the initial quality of the product and on subsequent conditions of transport and storage. After studying the Report and the many comments made about it I did not include such a requirement in my proposals for new labelling regulations issued on 27th September last. Representations on these proposals, including some about date s[...]ping, are now being considered and I cannot yet say what the final decision will be.
§ Mr. LomasIs my right hon. Friend aware that I am most grateful for that long and detailed reply, but that I still think that it is disappointing? I should be grateful if he would take note of the fact that housewives and consumers in general are entitled to this protection. Would he not look at the matter again and see what can be done?
§ Mr. PeartAs I said, I considered that the proposal was not practical. However, representations have been made to me and I am now considering them.