David Ruffley was one of the sponsors of the Food Labelling Bill introduced in the House of Commons on Monday, 22 March by Richard Bacon, MP for South Norfolk.

The Bill promotes the clearer labelling of food so that consumers are given clearer, more accurate and more honest information. Information to be included on food labels includes the country of origin, the contents and standards of production of that food.

David Ruffley has long been a supporter of clearer food labelling. Following his discussions with James Black, Chairman of the National Pig Association, and David Card, of the Stowmarket and Sudbury Branch of the NFU, he has lobbied Government Ministers over many years to introduce legislation on food labelling.

David said: 'Consumers need more information about the food they are buying to enable them to make informed choices. My constituents want to know for sure that the pork, ham and bacon they are buying was produced by local farmers in Suffolk- products for which our county is rightly proud.

I urge the Government to introduce its own legislation on food labelling- we should not have to rely on Private Member's Bills and the vagaries of the parliamentary timetable on this important issue. Our local farmers must be supported and consumers must be allowed to know more about the origin of the food they are buying. Honesty in food labelling will benefit everyone who believes in high standards of food production.'