§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer 412W Protection how she calculated her apportionment of 1973 import figures for the imported cheeses selected for subsidy to reach an estimated annual consumption of 25,000 tons; upon what statistical assumptions the calculations were made; and, using the same assumptions, what were the consumption figures, in tons, for each of the last 10 years.
§ Mr. MaclennanAs to the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies to his Questions on 16th May—[Vol. 873, c.543-4]; as to the second part, the information could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether, when preparing her estimate of £30 million for expenditure on cheese subsidy in 1974-75, she allowed for any increase in consumption of subsidised cheeses, and proportionate reduction of non-subsidised varieties: and to what extent.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe cheeses which are not eligible for subsidy do not compete directly with subsidised varieties. In estimating the cost of the cheese subsidy, therefore, it was assumed that the relative levels of consumption would remain unchanged. There is likely to be a continuation of the upward trend of cheese consumption.