HC Deb 15 July 1976 vol 915 c277W
Mr. Michael Latham

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether the average weekly saving for a typical family of two adults and two children arising from the cheese subsidy remains about ninepence per week; or, if not, what is the current figure.

Mr. Maclennan

On the basis of the National Food Survey results for the first quarter of 1976, the estimated average saving from the cheese subsidy for a family of two adults and two children is 7½p per week.

Mr. Michael Latham

asked 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 12th January 1976.

Mr. Maclennan

The estimated annual cost, based upon the current rate of subsidy, is as follows:

Type Cost (£ million) Subsidy rate £157 per ton
Cheddar and Cheshire 39.4
Caerphilly, Derby, Double Gloucester, Dunlop, Lancashire, Wensleydale, White Stilton, Leicester 6.8
Danbo, Edam, Elbo, Esrom, Fynbo, Gouda, Havarti, Maribo, Molbo, St. Paulin, Samsoe, Svenbo, Tybo 3.8
Processed cheese, cheese spreads and powdered cheese 0.9