§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he took into account the health implications and the recent report by the committee on medical aspects of food policy before agreeing to the provision of EEC butter to consumers at subsidised prices.
§ Mr. MacGregorI am sure that it is right that as an element in tackling the Community surplus our consumers should have the same opportunity as consumers in other member states to obtain butter at reduced prices if they wish. However, the present sale of EEC butter stocks is likely to be disruptive of the market and was introduced by the Commission in the face of opposition from several Member States including the United Kingdom.
The recent report by a panel of the committee on medical aspects of food policy did not rule out the consumption of any particular foodstuffs. I am sure that consumers will want to decide for themselves on the balance of their diet in the light of advice available to them.