§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Minister of Overseas Development what total food contribution is being made by the Government to help alleviate the immediate food shortages in developing countries.
§ Mrs. HartIn the United Kingdom financial year 1974–75 the estimate cost of our pledges to the World Food Programme is £1.8 million, of which £1.4 million will be sent in the form of foodstuffs, mainly dried skimmed milk but also including small amounts of dried egg and canned fish; and £0.4 million will be in cash. This expenditure will complete the pledge made for the calendar biennium 1973–74 of £2.5 million and will also include a small amount of the 1975–76 pledge of £3.325 million.
The United Kingdom contribution to the food aid activities of the European Communities takes two forms. National actions in cereals—120,5000 metric tons for the harvest year 1973–74—are estimated to cost £8 million in the financial year 1974–75, whilst the United Kingdom share of the cost of Community actions, mainly in cereals—580,000 metric tons— dried skimmed milk—55,000 metric tons —and butteroil—45,000 metric tons— based on EEC Commission figures, is currently estimated at just over £9 million.