§ Mr. Grahamasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what decisions have been taken on the Commission's proposals relating to the fat content of whole milk for liquid consumption.
§ Mr. PeartThe Commission has made a proposal to the Council of Ministers for amending Regulation No. 1411/71 which would allow member States to choose between a system based on standardised milk with a minimum fat content of 3.5 per cent., or a system based on non-standardised milk with its natural fat content unchanged. This would enable the United Kingdom industry to continue with its present arrangements for supplying non-standardised milk to consumers. The Council of Ministers decided at this week's meeting to defer decisions on the Commission's proposal until early in 1976. Meanwhile, subject to consultation with the European Assembly, the Council agreed to extend the existing provisions in the Community regulation until 31st March 1976, thus allowing the maintenance in the United Kingdom of our arrangements for milk to be supplied to consumers with its natural fat content.