§ Mr. Woofasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates he has made of EEC sugar, beef, 357W fruit, vegetable and wine surpluses for 1975–76.
§ Mr. PeartBecause of the many uncertain factors, including climatic and disease conditions affecting yields, seasonal fluctuations in production, and changing conditions on the Community and world markets, it is not possible at this stage to make reliable estimates of the market balance of these commodities for 1975–76.
§ Mr. Woofasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals there are for the EEC Council to take over responsibility for deciding on the disposal of surplus food stocks when a substantial cost to EEC funds is involved.
§ Mr. PeartThere are currently no proposals to alter the present Community arrangements. Under these the Council approves basic rules for the disposal of any intervention stocks and their day-today operation is delegated to the Commission in consultation with the management committees, which are composed of representatives of member States.
§ Mr. Woofasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what examination the Government have made to seek a reduction of food surpluses in the EEC; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeartI would refer my hon. Friend to my statement in the House on 1st May in which I welcomed the Commission's recognition in its stocktaking report of the need for measures to avoid long-term surpluses and to give consumers the benefit of any unavoidable over-supply. We shall pursue these objectives
358W
£ per ton Product France West Germany Netherlands Fresh yoghurt … … … … … … — 438.62 — Condensed milk … … … … … … — — 255.58 Skimmed milk powder … … … … … — — — Whole milk powder … … … … … — — — Whey powder … … … … … … — — 162.56 Other preserved milk … … … … … — — 279.00 Butter … … … … … … … 805.71 763.08 793.99 Butteroil … … … … … … … — 686.66 — Cheese—blue veined … … … … … 1,680.39 994.02 — Cheese—processed … … … … … 1,201.60 970.38 629.39 Cheese—Cheddar … … … … … … 859.72 807.17 910.91 Cheese—other than blue veined, processed or Cheddar 1,131.98 922.33 832.17 Note: The average unit values do not take account of monetary compensatory amounts which operate as imnort subsidies. in the discussions on the report now proceeding in Brussels.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what, in tons and pounds, were the quantities and value of each agricultural and food product in (a) the EEC and (b) the United Kingdom made unfit for human consumption by using directly in animal feeding stuffs in each of the years 1970 to 1974 and in 1975 to the latest available date;
(2) what quantities of sugar, wheat and milk powder were disposed of in (a) the EEC and (b) the United Kingdom in each of the years 1970 to 1974, and in 1975 to the latest available date, under arrangements made by the EEC to ensure that surplus products are not used for human consumption; and what in each case was paid by the EEC to arrange this.
§ Mr. PeartI am not able to give my hon. Friend a detailed reply today. I hope to be able to publish an answer shortly.