§ Mr. Canavanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the most up-to-date amount and value of surplus food and drink stored (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in the entire European Economic Community; and what is the cost of storage.
§ Mr. GummerA note setting out the volume of United Kingdom and Community intervention stocks, including those of foodstuffs, on the latest available dates is deposited in the Library of the House and is updated monthly.
The estimated value of United Kingdom intervention stocks of foodstuffs (excluding feedwheat and barley) at 31 December 1985 calculated on the basis of the buying-in prices valid at that date was £678 million.
The estimated value of Community intervention stocks at the end of November 1985, converted from agricultural ecu into sterling at the United Kingdom's agricultural conversion rate, was £5,755 million.
The latest estimate of storage and related costs in respect of United Kingdom intervention stocks (including feed grains) is £102 million as given in the 1985–86 Winter Supplementary Estimate for class III, vote 1. We have no figures for storage costs incurred by other member states.