§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the European Economic Commission regarding the subsidised sale of Common Market food surpluses to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics bearing in mind the need not to strengthen those European foreign Powers that form part of the Warsaw Pact.
§ Mr. JuddThe Government's view is that food should be produced for consumption and not for storage, and at a reasonable price to the consumer. However, where surpluses arise the Government believe that Community consumers should be given priority in their disposal. This view was made very clear by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he discussed butter sales to third countries, including those in Eastern Europe, in the course of talks with Commissioner Gundelach on 28th February.