asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if it is still his intention to implement the Food Labelling Regulations 1980 on 1 January 1983;(2) what representations he has received, and from whom, concerning possible difficulties in the implementation on 1 January 1983 of the Food Labelling Regulations 1980;(3) what information he has about steps taken by the Federal Republic of Germany concerning implementation of the European Community food labelling directive.

I have received representations from manufacturing and retailers about possible difficulties in the implementation by 1 January 1983 of the Food Labelling Regulations 1980. I have written to the European Commission asking how it intends to deal with the problem of ensuring that all member States comply with the Community's food labelling directive by a common date, and I shall decide what further action is needed in the light of the Commission's reply.