§ 3. Dr. Twinnasked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food how many meetings he or his officials have had with the Food and Drink Federation in the last 12 months.
§ Mrs. FennerMy right hon. Friend or his colleagues have met federation representatives at their invitation five times in the last 12 months. Throughout this period there have been frequent and continuing contacts between my officials and the federation. The most recent meeting at senior level took place on 11 July.
§ Dr. TwinnWhen my hon. Friend next meets members of the Food and Drink Federation, will she be able to give them good news about the imminent introduction of a national voluntary code of practice for nutritional food labelling? Is she aware of the anxiety of people in the industry that the introduction of retailers' schemes, although welcome as a sign of intent, could cause confusion because there is no common standard?
§ Mrs. FennerI am aware that too many systems will confuse the consumer. Comments on the Government's 463 grant guidelines are being evaluated. The Government have already said that they will consider laying regulations concerning the format of nutrition labelling.