§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the current arrangements for the distribution of surplus European Economic Community food to pensioners and others; and how they differ from previous years.
§ Mr. RyderIn the United Kingdom, 127 charitable and non-profit making organisations were designated in 1988 to distribute surplus beef and butter during 1988 and 1989. The definition of those eligible to receive produce is restricted to those receiving income support or family credit and those of no fixed abode or living in welfare hostels. Detailed distribution arrangements are a matter for designated organisations to determine according to local needs and the resources available, but the organisations have to follow the conditions attached to their participation in the scheme. They are entitled to reimbursement of transport and administration costs
Butter Concentrated butter Cheese Whole milk Semi-skimmed milk Beef 19821 Quantity (tonnes) 23,197 — — — — — Value (£) 16,895,739 — — — — — 19832 Quantity (tonnes) 39,144 — — — — — Value (£) 39,930,292 — — — — — 1986–873 Quantity 13,624 tonnes 113 tonnes 8,558 tonnes 8,637,975 pints 2,559,924 pints 974 tonnes Value (£) 26,602,197 99,622 19,660,197 1,963,767 537,404 2,140,865 19884 Quantity (tonnes) 2,463 — — — 1,775 Value (£) 5,049,583 — — — 4,385,385 1 "Christmas Butter Scheme"—subsidised butter was sold to the general public through retail outlets at a maximum cost of 44p per 250 grams. 2 "Christmas Butter Scheme"—subsidised butter was sold to the general public through retail outlets at a maximum cost of 42p per 250 grams. 3 "Cold Weather Aid"—free produce distributed by charitable organisations was made available to the most needy. Butter and beef were made available from intervention stores. Whole milk, semi-skimmed milk, cheese and concentrated butter were purchased on the open market. 4 "EC Surplus Food Scheme"—butter and beef from intervention stores were made available for distribution by designated organisations only to those on Income Support or Family Credit and to those of no fixed abode or living in welfare hostels. Produce made available free or at a nominal charge (not exceeding 20p per kilogramme). Source: IBAP.