§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what stocks of cereals are currently held by the EEC; and whether those amount to 17 or 18 per cent. of annual consumption as recommended by FHO for world food security.
§ Mr. BishopThe FAO estimate of 17–18 per cent. of stocks required for world food security relates to carry-over stocks, which are the stocks in hand at the end of each season. In August 1975 the EEC held 16 million tonnes of cereals as carryover stocks, which amounted to 21.68 per cent. of its 1975–6 forecast consumption —1st August 1975–31st July 1976.