Proposed Abolition Of Bread Weights

EDM number 1211 in 2006-07, proposed by Tony Baldry on 26/03/2007.

That this House expresses concern that the European Commission is seeking to abolish standard size British bread loaves; notes that EU Nominal Quantities Directive COD (2004) 0248 would scrap rules on the weight of pre-packed goods, including wrapped bread, which will end loaf sizes in the UK that have existed since the thirteenth century; further notes that the European Parliament has sought to amend the proposals several times but whilst the Commission accepts the need for a range of weights for other staple diet products, including butter, milk and sugar, it persists in rejecting the amendment in relation to bread; is disappointed that the Department of Trade and Industry has so far failed to support the European Parliament as it seeks a further amendment to protect British bread; believes that the abolition of rules on the size and weight of pre-packaged goods will remove a valuable protection to shoppers, especially those on low incomes, as there is no prescriptive price guide on bread; and calls on the Government to support the Federation of Bakers, UK consumer groups and the European Parliament by seeking an exemption for bread under this Directive.

This motion has been signed by a total of 46 MPs.