HC Deb 13 January 1976 vol 903 cc127-8W
Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what the cost will be of a regulation amending Regulation (EEC) No. 1411/71 in respect of the fat content of full-cream milk; and what is the effect of this regulation on the British dairy industry;

(2) what is the cost to the consumer of the changes in the level of the fat content of full-cream milk.

Mr. Bishop

The terms of the proposed regulation to amend Regulation (EEC) No. 1411/71 as regards the fat content of whole milk have not yet been settled. It is the Government's objective in the negotiations to ensure that the arrangements finally agreed do not prejudice the interests of our own industry and trade, or of consumers.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food what efforts are being made by her Department to ensure the continued use of glass milk bottles in the light of pressure from the EEC to change the packaging of milk.

Mr. Bishop

We do not know of any pressure on this matter from the EEC. Indeed, in the context of proposed EEC legislation on the quality and marketing of liquid milk which is under discussion in Brussels, the Commission and other member States have already accepted in principle provisions on labelling to facilitate the continued use of the glass bottle on our domestic market.

Mrs. Dunwoody

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence she has received relating to the public health aspect of changes in the British dairy industry from glass bottles to plastic packages.

Mr. Bishop

Neither this Ministry nor the Department of Health and Social Security has received any evidence to indicate that either of the forms of packaging referred to involves risk to public health, provided the dairy concerned observes normal precautions during processing and filling.