Food Subsidies

HC Deb 19 July 1973 vol 860 cc176-7W

41. Mr. John

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the EEC Commissioners or the Council of Ministers regarding the question of introducing subsidies on food in the United Kingdom.

Mrs. Fenner

The United Kingdom participated in the discussions prior to the introduction of the Community's butter subsidies.

42. Mr. Terry Davis

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further consideration he has given to the question of introducing consumer subsidies for food.

Mrs. Fenner

The Government have made clear the very real difficulties presented by food subsidies. But we are prepared to discuss all ideas for action on prices in the talks on the next steps of the counter-inflation programme.