HC Deb 26 October 1971 vol 823 cc297-9W
51. Mr. Oakes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has yet made any representations on prohibited food colouring in the European Economic Community; and what would be the colour of British fresh pork sausages under the existing directives of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

We have been discussing this directive with the Community as part of the process of evamining the E.E.C.'s existing legislation. Some useful progress has been made. I expect a satisfactory agreement on colours which may be safely permitted in foods including fresh pork sausages. These would certainly not change after we joined the E.E.C. in any way detrimental to the consumer.

52. Mr. Oakes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations have been made by him on the proposed directive on sugar confectionery presented by the Commission to the Council of the European Economic Community on 30th June, 1971; and what the results of these representations.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

This is a very recent draft on which we shall formulate a view when we have completed discussions with interested parties in this country. If the Community is inclined to proceed with the directive, we shall expect to be fully consulted.

53. Mr. Spearing

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the present statutory basis for fixing the minimum natural fat content and safety standards for bottled milk, and what changes he expects in the legal basis for these minimum standards and associated changes in the grades of milk available to the public, should the United Kingdom join the European Economic Community.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

There is no minimum standard for the butterfat content of ordinary whole milk in England and Wales. The Sale of Milk Regulations, 1939, lay down, however, that if milk contains less than 3 per cent. butterfat it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that the milk is not genuine because butterfat has been abstracted or water added. Under the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, the standardisation of milk composition is not allowed. Hygiene and safety standards on dairy farms and in processing dairies are laid down in the Milk and Dairies (General) Regulations, 1959, and the Milk (Special Designation) Regulations, 1963, as amended.

The European Economic Community's regulation sets, subject to some possible regional derogations, a minimum butterfat standard of 3.5 per cent., for whole milk. Provided that this standard is complied with, butterfat composition may be, but is not required to be, standardised at this level. The grades of milk are raw milk, for which no butterfat standard is set; whole milk, which must be heat-treated and of 3.5 per cent. butterfat or more; half-skimmed milk, which must be heat-treated and of between 1.5 per cent. and 1.8 per cent. butterfat; and skimmed milk, which must be heat-treated and of 0.3 per cent. butterfat or less. We are discussing this regulation with the European Economic Community. The Community does not yet have regulations setting detailed requirements on hygiene and safety standards on dairy farms and in processing dairies, but certain drafts are being considered.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the proposed directive on sugar confectionery presented by the Commission to the Council of the European Economic Community on 30th June, 1971 would be binding on home sales in this country if Great Britain enters the Common Market.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

No. No proposal is binding on any member State until it has been adopted by the Council of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Oakes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to protect the manufacturers of malic acid and its derivatives in Great Britain, in view of the proposed directive on sugar confectionery presented by the Commission to the Council of the European Economic Community on 30th June, 1971.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

Points on this draft directive requiring discussion with the Community will be determined in the light of the views of the industry, with which I am in close consultation.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the concern felt by the horticultural industry in general, and by the growers of cauliflowers in particular, over the adverse effects upon this type of British industry on Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, what further action he has now taken, or intends taking, to offset the effects on this industry if Great Britain enters the European Economic Community.

Mr. Prior

I do not accept that the horticultural industry in general would be adversely affected by United Kingdom accession to the European Economic Community. The special transitional arrangements agreed for horticulture will assist our producers, including growers of cauliflowers, to adapt to the new conditions. I would however refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 28th July about special help in particular cases of difficulty.—[Vol. 822, c.120.]