HL Deb 06 June 1973 vol 343 cc99-100

2.40 p.m.

LORD BURNTWOOD

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what information they have that West German manufacturers and distributors of health foods lay down regulations with the retail trade in that country that there shall be no importations from United Kingdom health food manufacturers without jeopardising these retailers' franchises for West German manufactured health foods.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have no information that regulations exist of the kind which the noble Lord's Question suggests. We understand that the trade in West Germany is not conducted on a general franchise system. It is also understood that the co-operative which conducts testing for its own "Neuform" quality mark is willing to test health goods products regardless of their origin, and that the retailers in the co-operative can, and do, sell products which have been manufactured by non-members.

LORD BURNTWOOD

My Lords, is the noble Earl aware that the "Neuform" symbol is owned by a marketing organisation of a semi-official nature which not only is refusing to supply its own retail points with goods if those outlets market British foodstuffs of an equivalent quality and status, but is in some cases agreeing to permit its retail establishments to put those foods on the market and then withdraws that permission without any reasons being given.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, I was not aware of the information that the noble Lord has just given to the House. I will certainly look into it. It is contrary to what I have understood to be the case, which is that "Neuform" will give products its stamp providing that the goods pass the tests to which they are subjected.

LORD BURNTWOOD

My Lords, if I send the noble Earl evidence of what I have been alleging, will he have the matter looked at?—since I believe that our own mission in Bonn knows a great deal about it.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, as a result of the noble Lord's Question we have been in touch with our Embassy in Bonn. They are fully seized of the situation. I shall be glad to deal with any points which the noble Lord may care to bring to my attention.