HC Deb 20 February 1975 vol 886 c470W
53. Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what representations she has received from the Margarine Association regarding the effect of butter subsidies on employment in the margarine industry; and what reply she has sent.

Mr. Maclennan

The Margarine and Shortening Manufacturers' Association has made representations to me on several occasions about the effect of the general butter subsidy on the market for its products and on employment prospects in the industry. In reply I have undertaken to consider its position sympathetically when deciding whether or not to offset by subsidy the increase in butter prices resulting from the recent review of EEC farm prices. A decision on this matter will be announced very shortly.