HC Deb 19 February 1981 vol 999 c446
18. Mr. Peter Eraser

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the current holdings of cereals in intervention stocks in each of the countries of the European Economic Community.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

With permission, Mr. Speaker, I shall circulate the information in the Official Report.

Mr. Fraser

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that reply.

Following is the information:

developments that have taken place in take-up of European Economic Community aid to increase the availability of free school milk in schools in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peter Walker

The Government would like to see the maximum use made of the Community subsidy on school milk in the United Kingdom, and have been discussing with the Commission the arrangements by which this can best be achieved. I hope that it will be possible to announce the details of these arrangements very shortly.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the great disquiet that exists in Cumbria about the lack of urgency in the Government's pursuit of this matter? Is he aware that farmers in Cumbria are now openly suggesting that the co-responsibility levy should be withheld?

Mr. Walker

As I stated in my reply, I think that the negotiations which have been held in detail between the industry, the education authorities and my Department, and also the Commission, are now near to completion and I believe that this will be of great assistance.