HC Deb 04 December 1986 vol 106 c1067
5. Mr. Thurnham

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has received about European Community document 9402/84 on the approximation of laws relating to quick-frozen foodstuffs; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

We have received recent written and oral comments from the representatives of frozen food manufacturers, retailers and refrigeration engineers. Discussions are continuing in Brussels. We are maintaining a general reserve on this proposal.

Mr. Thurnham

Will my hon. Friend assure the House that the Government will continue to oppose this unhelpful draft directive, which is harmful to both consumers and traders? Will he tell the Commission that this nation of shopkeepers knows more about selling frozen foods than the rest of the Common Market put together?

Mr. Thompson

I agree that this is one of the dafter Common Market directives. We will oppose the Community measures in this field unless we can modify them to meet United Kingdom interests.

Sir John Wells

Is my hon. Friend aware that the entire frozen food industry, especially at the retail end, is extremely concerned about the regulations concerning cabinets and so on—

Mr. Robert Atkins

There is nothing wrong with our Cabinet.

Sir John Wells

I was referring to freezer cabinets. That is causing great concern to the trade, and I hope that my hon. Friend will look into it.

Mr. Thompson

I am fully aware of the retail trade's concern. I have arranged today to meet some of its representatives so that we can see whether we can possibly find a way through this directive that will help everyone in the United Kingdom.