§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection what is now the annual cost of the cheese subsidy for each of the categories of cheese listed in the Under-Secretary of State's reply to the hon. Member for Melton on 15th November 1974.
§ Mr. MaclennanThe most reliable basis for estimating expenditure is the payment statistics. These are not maintained in precisely the same groups as those indicated in previous replies, which were based on broad estimates of consumption for which no up-to-date assessment is readily available. The payment figures indicate that expenditure in 1975–76, based upon the current rate of subsidy and the latest forecast of consumption, would be as follows:
Type Cost (£ million) Subsidy rate £188 per ton Cheddar and Cheshire 47.2 Caerphilly, Derby, Double Gloucester, Dunlop, Lancashire, Leicester, Wensleydale, White Stilton 8.2 Danbo, Edam, Elbo, Esrom, Fynbo, Gouda, Havarti, Maribo, Molbo, St. Paulin, Samsoe, Svenbo, Tybo 4.5 Processed cheese, cheese spreads and powdered cheese spreads and powdered cheese 1.1
§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer 71W Protection what is the average weekly saving for a typical family of two adults and two children arising from the cheese subsidy.
§ Mr. MaclennanOn the basis of the National Food Survey results for the third quarter of 1975, the estimated average saving is about 9p per week.