HL Deb 04 November 1959 vol 219 cc330-1
LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether marmalade, candied peel and other foodstuffs containing the peel of citrus fruits manufactured in this country are made from fruit which has been treated with waxes, dyes, fungicides or other chemicals.]

LORD ST. OSWALD

My Lords, citrus fruit growers, like other growers in various parts of the world, do use chemicals to counteract pest damage or to preserve or colour the fruits. These citrus fruits, and foods made from them, are allowed by law to contain a few of these chemicals, but only within certain prescribed limits.

LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

My Lords, would it not be well that these products should be labelled, so that the consumer would know what they do contain?

LORD ST. OSWALD

My Lords, as the committees of experts have set these prescribed limits, and they are regarded as safety limits, I think it is not regarded as necessary to label them in the way the noble Lord has suggested.

LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCH

Is the noble Lord not aware that there are many consumers who would like to have information as to the content of the food they are buying?

LORD ST. OSWALD

I must admit to the noble Lord that I was not aware that there were many such consumers.