HC Deb 20 July 1978 vol 954 c333W
Mr. Dykes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will support the Commission plan to sell surplus butter at reduced prices to people receiving social assistance; and if he will make a statement on what the plan would involve.

Mr. Bishop

At this year's farm prices settlement in May the Council of Ministers approved the reintroduction of a scheme to allow member States to grant a subsidy for the purchase of butter by persons receiving social assistance, and is expected to adopt formally a regulation to this effect next week. The scheme, which is optional, would enable member States to reclaim up to 50 units of account per 100 kilogrammes from FEOGA towards the cost of any such subsidy.