§ Mr. John Ellisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the advantages and disadvantages of the use of synthetic meat.
§ Mr. BishopI would ask the hon. Member to await publication of the report on Novel Protein Foods by the Food Standards Committee which advises Ministers on such subjects. It is now being printed and I will arrange for the hon. Member to receive a copy as soon as it is published.
255W
§ Mr. John Ellisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the surplus of meat and balance of payments considerations, if he will take steps to discourage the use of synthetic meat.
§ Mr. BishopNo. It is not the policy of the Government to restrict the development and manufacture of food provided that it is wholesome and complies with the provisions of food legislation. In any case, these products may well supplement rather than replace fresh meat in processed foods.