§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the effects upon the British dairy industry of allowing European sterilised and frozen pasteurised milk into the United Kingdom in unrestricted amounts.
§ Mr. MacGregorI recognise that there is concern about the possible effect of imports of milk, which are necessary as a result of the judgment of the European Court in case 124/81. In the last resort, this will depend upon the British consumer: I know that the dairy industry as a whole is well aware of this and of the resulting need to keep itself as competitive as possible. I welcome the steps it is taking to persuade consumers of the benefits of having fresh pasteurised British milk delivered to the doorstep. I should point out that the regulations do not provide for imports of frozen pasteurised milk.