§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to which countries European Economic Community butter and butter oil were exported in the latest year for which figures are available; what were the quantities and the subsidy per pound in each case; and if it was a requirement of such sales that there should be no resale to third countries.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am sending to the hon. Member tables showing the information requested on the quantities and destinations of Community exports of butter and butter oil and will place a copy of the information in the Library of the House.
During 1981 the export refund on butter ranged from 27p to 35p per lb, and that on butter oil from 37p to 50p per lb.
The European Commission does not attempt to control trade in butter and butter oil once the product reaches the specified third country. However, export refunds are paid to traders only after they have supplied evidence, usually in the form of a Customs certificate, showing that the exported butter has entered into free circulation in the country specified on the export declaration.