§ Mrs. RoeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will take the opportunity presented by the United Kingdom presidency of the EC Council of Agriculture Ministers to ensure that a full ingredients listing is provided for still and sparkling wine.
§ Mr. SoamesYes. Ingredient listing for alcoholic drinks, including still and sparkling wines, is already the subject of a European Commission proposal currently being negotiated within the Council. The United Kingdom presidency is seeking to ensure that any measures which are eventually adopted are as comprehensive as practicable and apply consistently to all alcoholic drinks.
§ Mrs. RoeTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take action during the United Kingdom presidency of the EC Council of Agriculture Ministers to ensure that the current review of ingredients listing of beers, wines and spirits is extended to include the legalisation of voluntary unit of alcohol labelling of still and sparkling wines; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesThe voluntary labelling of still and sparkling wines to show units of alcohol, which is currently contrary to Community legislation, does not form part of the European Commission's proposal concerning ingredient listing for alcoholic drinks. The matter of voluntary labelling of still and sparkling wines with units of alcohol is being pursued separately with the Commission.