§ Mr. HayesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met representatives of the British Retail Consortium; and if he will make a statement. [67773]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 26 January 1999]: The Minister last met with the British Retail Consortium on 3 November 1998. At this meeting, the major retailers 690W gave important assurances about the pigmeat they sell, not least that all their own label fresh pork, ham sausages and pork pies will come from stall and tether and MBM free production systems. They also gave an undertaking not to market as British, processed products produced from imported meat.
More generally, the retailers are making efforts to ensure that their sourcing practices meet or exceed consumer expectations in areas such as quality, traceability and local supply, and concern for animal welfare and the environment.