HC Deb 14 March 1985 vol 75 cc428-9
13. Mr. Gale

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on the new British food quality mark scheme recently launched by the Food from Britain organisation.

Mrs. Fenner

The Government welcome this important marketing initiative on the part of British food producers. It shows that they understand the importance of achieving high standards of quality.

Mr. Gale

Will my hon. Friend give every encouragement to an increase in the portfolio of goods carrying the mark? Will she pay particular attention to the excellent quality of fruit and vegetables available from the county of Kent?

Mrs. Fenner

My hon. Friend will know that I have a slight bias towards the county of Kent. The Government have a commitment of £14 million during the first five years. The long-term success of Food from Britain will depend also on the support that it receives from industry.

Mr. John

Does the Minister recognise that the other St. Michael has already given the scheme the thumbs down by saying that it is not good enough for Marks and Spencer? Will she have urgent consultations to see that the scheme truly raises standards in this country?

Mrs. Fenner

I believe that it truly raises standards. The other St. Michael has exceptionally high standards.

Mr. Meadowcroft

Does the Minister accept that many countries to which we export food rightly insist upon more information about the content of the food being provided, and that she should now insist on it in view of the announcement that she made at a press conference a few days ago? Will she again consider nutritional food labelling to improve the information given to British people as well as those abroad?

Mrs. Fenner

We are discussing nutritional food labelling with the food industry. We do not intend to make it mandatory, as with fat labelling, but we should like to see a format specified by regulation so that it can be recognised by the consumer.