Cumberland Rum Butter

HC Deb 23 July 1998 vol 316 cc697-8W

Mr. Martlew

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he is making regarding the impact of EU Commission Regulations 623/98 on the manufacture of Cumberland rum butter. [51455]

Mr. Rooker

Rum butters with a minimum milk fat content of 34 per cent. are unaffected by the Commission Regulations. The Ministry's officials are currently working with manufacturers of "ambient" brandy and rum butters in order to minimise any disruption to their business arising from this unnecessary Regulation. In particular, assistance and advice are being given in the preparation of an application, on behalf of a number of companies, for a derogation permitting traditional ambient alcoholic butters, including "Cumberland rum butter", to continue to be so described. The Government will be submitting this application to the European Commission under the provisions of article 4(1) of Commission Regulation 577/97.