§ 2.59 p.m.
§ Lord MOTTISTONEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy towards the European Commission's revised proposal for a regulation laying down general rules for the marketing of milk products and in particular for the exclusive use of milk fats and protein.
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Lord Peart)My Lords, we have made it clear that, while we fully support accurate and informative labelling, we cannot accept any proposals which would adversely affect the interests of both the food industry and the consumer.
§ Lord MOTTISTONEMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply. Am I to understand that the Government agree in this particular case that what the Commission is trying to achieve—that is, to force people to use milk products in various food products—will not be achieved by this, and that much greater costs will be involved in the future disuse of certain titles and descriptions?
§ Lord PEARTMy Lords, I agree with the noble Lord. That is why the Government have opposed these proposals.