§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations have taken place between him and the European Community Commission on the proposal for mandatory fat labelling; what consideration has been given by him and by the Commission to the labelling of imported food when such labelling comes into force; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Fenner:A copy of the statement of my right hon. Friend of 12 March—at column 29—was sent to the European Community Commission. Subsequently there have been informal discussions between my officials and Commission officials in Brussels. Since the present proposals would cover food imported from other Member States, this issue has been discussed but no final decisions have yet been made.
§ Mr. Wareingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to introduce a system of food labelling for the purpose of providing a guide for diabetics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. FennerThe Food Labelling Regulations 1984 already provide special conditions for the labelling of292W foods that are claimed as suitable for or specially made for diabetics. I have no plans to introduce a system of food labelling designed to provide a guide for diabetics on foods intended for the general population. But developments on the voluntary nutrition labelling of food are likely to be helpful.