§ Mr. Hooley asked the Lord Privy Seal what proposals will be made by the United Kingdom to require genuine competitive tendering for food aid contracts within the European Economic Committee in the light of the recent report by the Court of Auditors, particularly with regard to cereals.
§ Mr. Luce:It is for the Commission to respond to the observations of the Court of Auditors. But I expect member States also to have the opportunity to discuss points that arise, and when the time comes we shall certainly stress the importance of ensuring genuine competitive tendering on all such contracts.
Mr. Hooley asked the Lord Privy Seal (1) what contracts for the supply of food have been secured by British suppliers under the European Economic Community food aid programme in 1979, 1980 and 1981 so far;
(2) if he will list the aggregate value of contracts for food aid under the European Economic Community food aid programme secured by each member State of the European Economic Community in 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1981 so far;
(3) what are the main foodstuffs supplied by British producers under the European Economic Community food aid programme in each of the years 1979, 1980 and 1981 so far;
(4) what was the total value of the European Economic Community food aid programme in each of the years 1975 to 1980 at current prices expressed in £ sterling.
§ Mr. Luce:I am obtaining the information and will circulate it as soon as possible in the Official Report.