asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will introduce new food labelling regulations.

Comprehensive proposals for new regulations on food labelling were issued to interested parties on 27th September. Comments were asked for by 3rd January next. It will be necessary to consider the comments received and I cannot therefore yet say exactly when the regulations themselves will be made, but it will be as soon as possible.

While thanking my hon. Friend for this welcome news, may I ask whether he appreciates that consumer demand, and education, have increased considerably, even since the Standards Committee reported? Does he further appreciate that there will be great disappointment if the regulations do not provide for disclosure of all the contents and exact constituents of food, on the labels, particularly colourings which are especially suspect—

Order. That is too long. That is enough of the question. Answer please.

I take note of what the hon. Lady says. On the question of colour, we know of this point and it will be added to the comments from the interested parties.