European regulations which could threaten the future of the traditional pint of milk are being opposed by Plaid Cymru Euro-MP Jill Evans. The MEP is concerned about the possible detrimental effects on the Welsh dairy industry if Brussels gets its way.

Tomorrow - Thursday - Euro-MPs will vote on new rules concerning standard sizes for food packaging which if allowed to go through unchanged would threaten the future of the traditional pint of milk.

Plaid Cymru MEP Ms Evans is backing amendments to the legislation that would allow Welsh farmers and retailers to continue packing and selling milk in pints.

Speaking from Brussels ahead of the vote, Jill Evans said:

"Welsh dairy farming deserves our backing and support and should not be encumbered with needless regulations. Welsh dairy farmers have a hard enough time making ends meet as things stand, and can do without this added burden.

"I urge fellow Euro-MPs to support the amendments that allow for milk to continue being sold in pints - this is in the interests of farmer and consumer alike.

"Like most people in Wales I look forward to being able to buy a pint of milk from my local shop or milkman for a good while yet."

Notes

1. MEPs are due to vote on Thursday 2 February on rules governing 'nominal quantities of pre-packaged foodstuffs'.

2. Plaid Cymru are supporting amendments to the rules that will allow a continuation of prescribed pack sizes in both metric and imperial sizes for liquid milk and an opt-out in relation to pre-packed bread, spreadable fats, butter, tea or coffee, where member state rules on nominal quantities will continue to apply.

3. There are currently some 2,600 dairy producers in Wales, but this figure is falling at a rate of around 6-7 per cent per year.

Diwedd/End.