§ Mr. Torneyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in view of the fact that the Wine and Spirit Association's voluntary scheme on the fluid contents of fortified wine bottles, details of which are in his possession, has protected the interests of consumers, if he will give an assurance that he will take it into account in framing legislation for a compulsory scheme.
§ Mr. RidleyI am aware that the Wine and Spirit Association has drawn up a scheme for the voluntary marking of the fluid contents of bottles of fortified wine. The hon. Member can rest assured that this scheme will be taken fully into account in my discussions on the amendments to the Schedules of the Weights and Measures Act, 1963, about which I informed my right hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Mr. Marples) on 14th December, 1970.
§ Mr. Torneyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what account his Department is taking of problems such as the loss from table wine bottles caused by temperature fluctuations, the effect of 373W tolerances, in particular problems of vintage wines, etc., in considering of legislation to enforce the statement of fluid content; and if he will give an assurance that the interests of the public and the wine trade will be taken into account.
§ Mr. RidleyIn the preliminary discussions which I have held with the wine trade about quantity labelling I have been made very well aware of the problems mentioned by the hon. Member. Further discussions will be held on these problems. I can assure the hon. Member that I will take into account the interests of both the public and the wine trade.