HC Deb 27 January 1983 vol 35 cc483-4W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to have the European Community social-butter scheme applied in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

This scheme was operated in the United Kingdom between 1973 and 1974 but was withdrawn because experience showed that in practice the workings of the scheme were found to be generally unpopular with those eligible for aid and the costs of administration were disproportionately high in relation to its benefits. The scheme remains unattractive for these reasons.