§ Mr. BayleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Ministry plans to(a) support the European Commission's draft chocolate directive, (b) oppose the European Parliament's amendments to the draft directive and (c) make a statement about the Government's policy on the draft directive. [13350]
§ Mr. RookerThe Government broadly support the European Commission's proposals on chocolate and are opposed to a number of the amendments proposed by the European Parliament, particularly those which would have the effect of discriminating against chocolate containing small additions of vegetable fat and against high-quality UK "milk chocolate". As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced on 23 October, the Government will continue to press strongly for a new directive which protects names traditionally used in the UK and resist measures which would mislead consumers and unfairly penalise our chocolate industry.