§ Mr. Tomlinsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the butter token scheme will be continued; and whether she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CastleA butter token scheme was first introduced in July 1973. It was renewed at the beginning of this year and has continued since, with a further change in the value of the tokens in May. The present scheme will run until the end of this year, and no decision has been taken by the EEC to renew the existing arrangements. As it is a limited scheme which operates on a means-tested basis, and the administrative costs are wholly disproportionate to the benefit obtained, the Government have decided not to renew the scheme next year. Arrangements are being made to publicise the change and to notify the retailers concerned.