HC Deb 08 July 1981 vol 8 c144W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline the existing arrangements whereby subsidised dairy products are made available to schools and charitable organisations; and if he will detail the changes which he secured last week, together with their effect.

Mr. Peter Walker

Butter held in intervention stocks may be purchased by non-profit making organisations, including schools, at reduced prices, and the Commission will shortly be publishing regulations which will enable a similar subsidy to be paid where butter is purchased on the open market.

Children in schools may also benefit from the Community subsidy available for liquid milk, yoghurt and cheese supplied at break time and meal times, subject to the public authorities in the member State concerned making a contribution equal to at least 25 per cent. of that from Brussels. I will be announcing shortly the changes that I have secured in these arrangements so far as whole milk is concerned.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the savings to education authorities who supply milk for sale to schoolchildren in consequence of the recent concessions secured from the European Economic Community by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Peter Walker

I shall write to my hon. Friend about the new arrangements on school milk as soon as possible.