§ Mr. Roperasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he has suggested any revisions to EEC directive 71/118 that the Commission of the European Communities might propose to the Council of Ministers ;
(2) whether he has raised the question of the EEC directive 71/118 with his colleagues in the Council of Ministers ; and whether he now expects it will be possible to prevent its introduction in the United Kingdom in February 1976.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe directive has so far been under discussion at official level with the Commission. As I stated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Raison) on 27th November last, we are seeking a postponement of the date of February 1976 for New York dressed—i.e., unevis-cerated—poultry.—[Vol. 865, c. 114.]
§ Mr. Roperasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had from interested consumers' or producers' organisations concerning EEC directive 71/118 ; and what reply he has given them.
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§ Mr. GodberI have received representations from the British Poultry Federation, the National Farmers' Union, the National Federation of Meat Traders Associations and individual producers and consumers about various matters arising from this directive. The majority of the representations have related to the provisions of the directive which would, from 1976, preclude the sale of unevis-cerated poultry. In reply I have said that I recognise the problems which the directive could create for this area of our domestic trade and I have explained that I am seeking in Brussels to find a solution to this problem.