§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the registration provisions in the Food and Drugs Act 1955, concerning the preparation of homemade jam for sale ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinIt is a long and honoured tradition that members of women's institutes and other organisations sell jam and other home-made products at markets organised for the purpose. I do not believe that Parliament when it enacted the Food and Drugs Act 1955 ever intended that the law should interfere with this tradition of selling home-made jam and similar products.
I have, therefore, been startled to learn that officers of the Stockton-on-Tees borough council have sought to argue that such activities are illegal under that Act, and I am seeking urgent legal advice on the issue. If it appears that it is necessary to change the law to safeguard the sale of these products, an early opportunity will be sought for this.
In the meantime I have arranged for my officials to talk urgently to officers of Stockton-on-Tees borough council about the difficulties in opening a women's institute market there.