§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to ensure that the European Community will not sell further butter to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics at reduced prices and that any butter surplus will be made available to Community members at the reduced rate in order that the butter can be sold to those in need and in low-income groups.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithMy right hon. Friend raised the question of butter sales to Russia at the meetings of the Council338W of Agriculture Ministers on 18 September and 15–16 October and made clear his opposition to such sales. As a result of his initiative, an export licensing system for butter, which will enable the position to be monitored more closely, has been introduced, and consideration is being given to the disposal of old butter stocks rather than fresh butter. He emphasised, however, the need to eliminate surpluses so as to make such sales unnecessary and has asked for a general review of surplus disposal arrangements.