§ Mr. Freeson asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what approaches have been made to his 167W Department by the Dairy Trade Federation concerning the payment of half the national contribution needed to obtain the European Economic Community subsidy on school milk; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Walker:The president of the Dairy Trade Federation has recently written to me asking whether, in order to make further improvements to the provision of cheap milk in schools, payments by the dairy industry towards the cost of supplying school milk could be counted as part of the national contribution which is required in order to attract Community subsidy. In my reply I have indicated that I am very ready to explore this possibility and follow it up provided we can find a workable way of doing so which is compatible with the relevant Community legal requirements. I am having further discussion with the DTF on these points.