HC Deb 30 April 1998 vol 311 cc246-7W
21. Mrs. Dean

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made with regard to labelling of beef. [39129]

Mr. Hanson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evaluation he is undertaking of the beef labelling scheme. [39135]

Mr. Rooker

No evaluation of the beef labelling scheme can yet be undertaken, because of the European Commission's decision further to delay the scheme's full entry into force until 1 July. Nevertheless, some 11,000 beef outlets in the UK have already received approval for the detailed labelling information they supply, having applied voluntarily since the scheme's launch last October. I expect more to receive approval before the scheme takes full effect.