§ 1. Mr. Longdenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further progress has been made with implementing the proposals issued in September 1964 for the better labelling of food.
§ 37. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to issue comprehensive new food labelling regulations; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Joint Parliament Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James Hoy)Good progress is being made, but I cannot add further to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hertfordshire, South-West (Mr. Longden) on 15th February, 1967.—[Vol. 741, c. 606–7.]
§ Mr. LongdenThat is very disappointing, because it is now 2½ years since the report was made. Is there any reason why manufacturers should not be required to label their products accurately and completely? If the Government have no proposals, will they facilitate the Private Member's Bill of the hon. Member for Wood Green (Mrs. Joyce Butler)?
§ Mr. HoyI answered that on the last occasion. When considering these regulations there are a tremendous number of people to consult. I told the hon. Member on the last occasion that we had to send out 7,000 circulars in connection with this and had 300 representations after that.
§ Mr. RankinWould my hon. Friend read the story in today's Press about the 508 sad fate of 2,000 chickens and the horrible way in which they were destroyed and see what he can do to get better food for labelling?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. This is a Question about labelling.