HC Deb 17 January 1980 vol 976 cc1852-3
7. Mr. Hal Miller

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the current regulations governing the import of milk into the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peter Walker

Imports of milk are subject to United Kingdom animal health legislation, and to our public health regulations, which lay down strict standards for the hygienic production, packaging and heat treatment of milk. There are also regulations covering the labelling and size of containers as well as the minimum fat content which imported milk must comply with.

Mr. Miller

Will my right hon. Friend and neighbour assure the House that there will be no relaxation of standards? Should there be any move towards harmonisation of health standards through the EEC, will my right hon. Friend still insist on the treatment and packaging of imported milk for subsequent retail in premises licensed by local authorities?

Mr. Walker

In the only court case involved, the Advocate General of the European Court stated that we had every right to employ our own health regulations until a Community health regulation was made. I see no prospect of a Community health regulation until at least 1982. We then have a period of two years in which to comply with it. However, any health regulation that gained our agreement would have to maintain our present standards.

Mr. Robert Hughes

Referring to the question of the hon. Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) as regards being a picture of health, is there any connection between a picture of health and mental health?

Mr. Lawrence

If, by 1984, there is harmonisation of the import of milk regulations, will the Minister assure us that he will do everything in his power to stop the abolition of doorstep deliveries?

Mr. Walker

Yes. Doorstep deliveries are vital to the consumer and producer in this country. We shall do everything possible to maintain those services.

Mr. Torney

As Britain has had such a rough deal from the EEC as regards sugar, textiles and many other commodities, does the Minister agree that we shall get a similar rough deal about the importation of milk? Does he further agree that the time has now come to negotiate our withdrawal from the EEC?

Mr. Walker

No, I judge that our milk is better and cheaper and that it is time to consider exporting to the EEC.