HC Deb 12 November 1973 vol 864 cc46-7W
Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what substances, and at what levels, are permitted to be used as preservatives in fresh oranges and other citrus fruits.

Mrs. Fenner

The Preservatives in Food Regulations 1962, as amended, permit the use of the following preservatives on citrus fruit:

  • Diphenyl: Not more than 100 parts per million.
  • Ortho-phenyl phenol and Sodium ortho-phenylphenate: Not more than 70 parts per million.

Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what facilities are available for checking the permitted levels of preservatives in imported oranges and other citrus fruits.

Mrs. Fenner

Enforcement of the Preservatives in Food Regulations 1962, as amended, which lay down the permitted levels of the preservatives diphenyl and ortho-phenylphenol in citrus fruits, is carried out by food and drugs authorities and by port health authorities. These authorities employ public analysts for analytical checks that the permitted levels are not exceeded.

Mr. Denzil Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what substances are permitted to be used as preservatives in fresh tomatoes.

Mrs. Peggy Fenner

The Preservatives in Food Regulations 1962, as amended, make no specific provision for the use of preservatives on fresh tomatoes.

£ per ton
October October October October
1970 1971 1972 1973
Cattle and Calf … … 42.3 43.4 45.4 70.8
Pigs … … … … 44.8 44.3 46.2 83.1
Poultry … … … 47.5 46.0 49.7 87.3

Mr. David Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, since the average prices of the principal manufactured compound feeding stuffs have increased since the 1973 Review White Paper in March by approximately 26, 27, and 39 per cent. for sheep, cattle and calves, pigs and poultry, respectively, and since the interest rates on credit available to farmers for working capital have increased, if he will take steps to help farmers before the next price review.

Mr. Godber

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Alfred Morris) on 16th October 1973.—[Vol. 861, c. 94–6.]