§ 77. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration has been given to stopping the practice of wrapping foreign butter labelled as if it is made from home- produced milk; and what complaints have been received about the labelling of milk substitutes giving the impression that milk has been used.
§ Mr. GodberThe Merchandise Marks (Imported Foods) No. 1 Order, 1932, makes it an offence to sell imported, including foreign, butter unless it bears an indication of origin. In addition the Food and Drugs Act, 1955, and the Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887 to 1953, make it an offence to label goods with a false description. Responsibility for enforcement rests with local food and drugs authorities who would no doubt take appropriate action if foreign butter were to be labelled in such a way as to give the impression that it was the produce of the United Kingdom. On the second part of the Question, my right hon. Friend has received representations from dairy organisations and has circulated proposals for regulations. He hopes to have received the comments of the interested organisations by the New Year.