§ Mr. Martenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated stock of the butter mountain in the Common Market; and what is the estimated cost to the European Communities budget.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe latest available information shows intervention stocks of 267,000 metric tons. Privately-owned stocks, including those held in the three new member States, amount to 135,000 tons. Net FEOGA expenditure on intervention buying, storage and disposal of butter in the original Community in 1972 is put at 132.5 million units of account.
§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will request the EEC authorities to make available surplus butter stocks for general 394W sale, in addition to concessionary sales to pensioners, so that the British consumer can have the benefit of cheaper butter.
§ Mr. GodberProposals on butter prices designed to stimulate consumption are currently being considered in the Council of Ministers (Agriculture).