§ 11. Mr. Gregoryasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met the president of the Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Alliance; and what issues were discussed.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonSince his appointment my right hon. Friend has yet to meet the president of the Biscuit, Cake, Chocolate and Confectionery Alliance, but they have agreed to meet as soon as mutually convenient.
§ Mr. GregoryDoes my hon. Friend agree that the greatest help that the Government could give to the confectionery industry in important centres such as York would be to re-rate confectionery in line with foods, to boost employment?
§ Mr. ThompsonI congratulate my hon. Friend on his persistence in putting forward the confectionery industry's case. We had long discussions during the election—and they will continue — about VAT and its various impositions. All that I can do is repeat what my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal said the other day, that the Prime Minister has said that we have no intention of imposing VAT on food, gas, electricity, young children's clothes and shoes.
§ Mr. Tony BanksEnough of all this sweet talk; it will not butter any parsnips. When do the Government intend 621 to introduce legislation that requires producers of these sticky comestibles to put a health warning on them so that people will know that they destroy their teeth and do their hearts in?
§ Mr. ThompsonIf the hon. Gentleman takes the trouble to read what is written on a packet of the sweets that he so liberally gives away to his family and friends he will see that a great deal of information appears on the packet. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman knows that discussions are continuing on how that information can best be clarified so that people know exactly what they are purchasing and have freedom of choice.