§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what organisations have been recognised for the purpose of the food aid from European Community intervention stocks; what arrangements have been made for the distribution to individual elderly and needy people in their own homes; and what is the estimated value of food to be distributed in the United Kingdom, the cost of distribution and the extent and duration of the scheme.
§ Mr. Jannerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what method is being used to allocate European Economic Community food charity.
§ Mr. JoplingThe relevant Community legislation provides for distribution of certain foods to the most needy through charitable organisations. In the United Kingdom the following organisations have agreed to co-operate:
- Age Concern.
- British Red Cross Society.
- Church Army.
- Help the Aged.
- National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations.
- Royal Association of Disability and Rehabilitation. Royal British Legion.
- Salvation Army.
- Social and Pastoral Action (RC Diocese of Westminster).
- Catholic Bishops' Conference, England and Wales.
- Women's Royal Voluntary Service.
- Church of Scotland Board of Social Responsibility.
- National Catholic Social Care Commission.
- Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Belfast).
- Bryson House (Belfast).
These organisations are themselves arranging distribution to the most needy, whether in their own homes or at other locations. The arrangements will last until the end of March 1987. I am not in a position to 341W estimate the value of the food to be distributed or the total cost of distribution until the likely uptake by charitable organisations becomes clear.