§ Mr. Rostasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what is the latest estimate of expenditure on food subsidies in the current financial year; how this compares with the figure budgeted for in March; and how it compares with expenditure provided in each of the three previous financial years.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe estimated expenditure on food subsidies in 1974–75 is about £490 million, against the allocation of £550 million made by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his March Budget.
In 1971–72 there was no expenditure on food subsidies. In the two following years payments were made to Milk Marketing Boards to hold down the retail price of liquid milk. These payments amounted to £31 million in 1972–73 and £103 million in 1973–74. In addition, £8.5 million was spent in 1973–74 on the general butter subsidy.