HC Deb 12 May 1975 vol 892 cc38-9W
Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the meaning of the phrases "denatured by admixture "and" denatured by incorporation" in Command Paper No. 6033, paragraph 2.14; and what were the respective costs of these operations in relation to the 64,429 tons and the 219,137 tons of wheat referred to.

Mr. Bishop

Until 10th February 19 74 there was provision for the payment of a subsidy from FEOGA funds in respect of wheat used for animal feed. Wheat incorporated in compound feeding stuffs was described as having been denatured by incorporation. Wheat to which an approved dye or fish liver oil had been added was described as having been denatured by admixture. The object of both processes was to ensure that the premium was not claimed twice in respect of the same wheat. Subsidy in respect of the 64,429 tons of wheat denatured by admixture amounted to £343,440 and to £3,112,019 in respect of the 219,137 tons denatured by incorporation.

Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantities and what kind of foods, apart from wheat, fruit and vegetables, were "denatured" using EEC funds, for the latest available period of 12 months: and at what cost.

Mr. Bishop

During the 12 months ended 31st March 1975 the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce paid subsidy from FEOGA funds on 20,447 tons of skimmed milk powder used in animal feeding stuffs. The payments amounted to £2,798,573.