§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy towards the proposal by the EEC Commission to move Brown FK (herring colouring) from annex II (permitted colourings) to annex I (prohibited colourings) of the eighth amendment to the colours direction (Com. (85) 474 Final); what information he has as to which other EEC states use Brown FK; what assessment he has made of the effect of its prohibition (a) on the herring industry and (b) on the colour of the British kipper; what representations he has received on this from the British industry; and if he will veto any proposal to prohibit Brown FK.
§ Mrs. FennerThe eighth amendment to the EC directive on colouring matter in foodstuffs as proposed by the Commission would transfer Brown FK from annex II (those colours which member states may permit if they wish) to annex I (these colours which member states are required to permit). The United Kingdom supports this proposal which recognises that there are no toxicological reasons to prohibit the use of Brown FK. I understand that the Republic of Ireland also permits the use of Brown FK in smoked herrings.
My Department has received representations from the United Kingdom kipper industry regarding Brown FK and is aware of the importance attached by the industry to its use.