HC Deb 23 March 1987 vol 113 cc68-9W
Mr. Adley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of ice-cream (a) manufactured and (b) sold in the United Kingdom contains (i) mainly milk products, (ii) some milk products and (iii) no milk products.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The information requested is not readily available in the form requested. However, under the Ice-Cream Regulations 1967, ice-cream must contain not less than 5 per cent, fat, and not less than 7.5 per cent, milk solids other than fat. "Dairy" type ice-cream must contain not less than 5 per cent, milk fats, not less than 7.5 per cent, milk solids other than fat and may contain no fat other than milk fats, unless present as a result of another ingredient.

Mr. Adley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the effect on current surplus United Kingdom milk production of requiring that all ice-cream currently (a) sold and (b) manufactured in the United Kingdom be made of milk products supplied from the United Kingdom fanning industry; and if he will seek to make this his policy.

Mr. Gummer

Under European Community law, it would not be possible to require that ice-cream sold or manufactured in the United Kingdom be made of milk products supplied by the United Kingdom farming industry.

Mr. Adley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to prohibit the sale of ice-cream unless it contains a substantial percentage of milk products; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Under the Ice-Cream Regulations 1967 ice cream must contain at least 5 per cent, fat and 7.5 per cent, milk solids other than fat. "Dairy ice cream" must contain only milk fat (other than that present as a result of the use of egg, flavours, emulsifying or stabilising agents). I understand that a good quality dairy ice cream will contain a considerably higher proportion of milk products than the minimum laid down. Consumers are therefore able to make a choice, according to the price they are prepared to pay, between ordinary ice cream, and dairy ice cream. I have no plans to amend these regulations.