HC Deb 12 June 1979 vol 968 cc199-200W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what conditions area health authorities are permitted to buy supplies of intervention butter; and what regulations govern the subsequent sale of such butter to National Health Service employees.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Under the provisions of Community regulation 1717/72, as amended, non-profit-making organisations, including area health authorities, are permitted to buy supplies of intervention butter on a number of conditions, the most important of which is that the butter will be made available only to consumers for which the authority is responsible. We are examining the question of sales to employees and I will write to the hon. Member on the subject shortly.