HC Deb 01 August 1984 vol 65 c348W
Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many producers have ceased trading as a result of the introduction of regulations requiring pasteurisation of cream.

Mr. John MacKay

This information is not available.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations his Department received pressing for pasteurisation of cream.

Mr. John MacKay

None. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland, in a circular dated 18 November 1983 and sent to 11 organisations proposed the compulsory heat treatment of all cream in Scotland. No comments were received in reply.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, with a view to enabling consumers to buy fresh cream at the farm gate, he will make an exemption for small producers from the cream pasteurisation regulations.

Mr. John MacKay

My right hon. Friend is reviewing the Cream (Heat Treatment) (Scotland) Regulations 1983.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why clotted cream is not subject to the regulations requiring all cream to be pasteurised.

Mr. John MacKay

Clotted cream is subject to the heat treatment requirements of the Cream (Heat Treatment) (Scotland) Regulations 1983.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the factors particular to Scotland which have necessitated the introduction of regulations to prevent the sale of unpasteurised cream.

Mr. John MacKay

The sale of raw milk for human consumption was banned from 1 August 1983 as a consequence of its proven risk in Scotland to health from salmonella and similar infections. My advice is that raw cream presents similar risks though on a smaller scale. My right hon. Friend took the decision to end the sale of raw cream for human consumption for similar reasons.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the costs to the small farmer of complying with the cream pasteurisation regulations.

Mr. John MacKay

This would depend on individual circumstances.