§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he intends to implement the European Commission's regulations concerning standards for organic farming.
§ Mr. MacleanThe European Commission proposal for a regulation on organic foodstuffs is currently under discussion in a Council working group and much detailed work remains to be done before it is ready for consideration by the EEC Council of Agriculture Ministers. If adopted by the Council in the form of a regulation, it will be directly applicable in all member states. The proposals provide for the designation of an authority to implement certain measures. I have already indicated that the United Kingdom Register of Organic Food Standards would, in this country, be the designated authority.