HC Deb 22 January 2001 vol 361 cc408-9W
Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will monitor the use of the Red Tractor scheme to ensure that it is not used on imported food products. [144759]

Ms Quin

The "red tractor" logo was developed by the National Farmers Union and is administered by an independent body, Assured Food Standards. It is not an indication of origin, but signifies food that has been produced in accordance with certain industry-run assurance schemes and therefore meets designated standards.

While the Ministry supported the establishment of the logo, it does not have responsibility for monitoring it and currently has no plans to do so. The Food Standards Agency does have general responsibility for food labelling.

Mrs. Dunwoody

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the cost of the proposed egg labelling scheme is. [144760]

Ms Quin

The costs to industry associated with this measure, which will come into force on 1 January 2004, areLabelling of packs —costs should be negligible as this already takes place for the majority of eggs on the UK market. In addition, the long lead-in period provides time for any redesigning of packs that may be necessary. Stamping of eggs —all eggs sold under the Lion Code, which present over 75 per cent. of domestic production, are already stamped. Those egg packers who do not already have egg stamping facilities could incur capital costs of at least £5,000 plus running costs of up to 1p/dozen, depending on throughput, and labour costs of around £10,000 per annum.

There will be no significant changes in enforcement costs.

I refer to the Regulatory Impact Assessment of 18 December 2000 which relates to Explanatory Memorandum 11244/00 of 12 October 2000.

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