§ Mr. Jim Spicerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what current plans he has for consulting interested organisations on the Government's intention to ban sales of untreated milk in 1980;
(2) what account he has taken of consumer opinion with regard to the Government's policy to prohibit sales of untreated milk in 1980;
(3) what measures he has in mind to assist producer-retailers in purchasing and installing pasteurisation equipment in readiness for the general ban on untreated milk sales in 1980;
(4) what recent evidence, if any, he has received to justify the Government's proposed ban on untreated milk sales in 1980;
(5) what plans he has for introducing the proposed ban on untreated milk sales in 1980; and if he remains satisfied with the Government's policy on this matter.
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§ Mr. Bishop:It was announced on 6th August 1975 that the Government intended to prohibit from a date five years later the sale of untreated milk for liquid consumption, except in areas where an alternative supply of heat-treated milk was not readily available. This decision was based on evidence that the risks from certain milk borne diseases such as salmonellosis and Q fever can be minimised only through effective heat treatment. Consultations regarding the implementation of this measure will be arranged in due course, when the various interests concerned, including those representing consumers, will have a further opportunity to express their views on all aspects of the matter, including the question of assistance for farm-pasteurisers. Any regulations subsequently introduced will be drafted in the light of the comments expressed and the supporting evidence then available.—[Vol. 897, c. 206.]