§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy towards the European Economic Community on the question of hormones.
§ Mr. Jopling[pursuant to his reply, 3 March 1986, c. 8]: The Government have today made an application to the European Court of Justice seeking annulment of the EC directive banning the use of hormone growth promoters. This action reflects our objections to the basis upon which this directive was adopted, including the lack of regard for relevant scientific evidence.
In taking this action in the European Court, the Government do not seek to discourage producers who wish to rear animals without the use of added hormones. Until a ban is implemented, this remains a matter for commercial decision of individual farmers.