§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about EEC proposals for methyl violet branding of carcase meat; and what is his policy thereon.
§ Mrs. FennerThe Joint Consultative Council of the Meat Trades in the United Kingdom has made representations about the health inspection stamp marking of carcases with methyl violet on the grounds that it is unsightly and unacceptable to the consumer. The EEC directive on intra-Community trade in fresh meat requires that meat shall bear an approved health inspection stamp mark either by branding or by methyl violet stamp and regulations are being made to permit the use of such violet colouring in the United Kingdom.
The use of methyl violet marking has been a long standing practice in the EEC and as it is not considered to present a health hazard we should not be justified in asking the other member States to make a change.