§ 2. Mr. Terry Davisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much was spent by the Intervention Board on denaturing incentives in the first six months of 1973; and how much it is intended to spend in the present financial year.
§ The Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Anthony Stodart)By 30th June 1973 the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce had paid £6,298,000 on denaturing incentives mainly for the denaturing of wheat. The estimate for the 1973–74 financial year provides for a total expenditure on these incentives of £22 million at present rates. These payments are financed by the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund.
§ Mr. DavisIs it true that more than 1 million tons of wheat have already been made unfit for human consumption? Is 393 the Minister aware that, although everyone appreciates that farmers have always used wheat to feed their animals, many people will consider it a shocking waste that food should be spoilt when so many people in the world do not have enough to eat?
§ Mr. StodartUp to 30th September 1 believe about 1.5 million tons had been denatured. That is in almost strict ratio with what has always happened to wheat in this country. Normally, about half the total wheat crop has been fed to livestock.
§ Mr. LoughlinIs not the purpose of denaturing foodstuffs to ensure that they do not come on to the market for human consumption? Is it not criminally obscene for the Government to denature foodstuffs when the whole country is protesting strongly and continually about increases in prices?
§ Mr. StodartI do not agree with the hon. Member. Food subsidies have been paid by all Governments in this country and when they are paid precautions are always taken to see that they cannot be paid twice on the same material.