HC Deb 14 January 1985 vol 71 cc29-30W
Mr. Torney

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at what price he has authorised European Economic Community surplus butter to be sold in the United Kingdom.

Mr. MacGregor

The Butter (EEC Special Sale) Regulations 1984 (SI 1984 No. 1765) fix a maximum retail selling price of 42p per 250 gramme pack for butter sold from United Kingdom intervention stocks under EEC Commission Regulation No. 2956/8.4. In fixing the maximum price at this level, we were concerned to enable small retail outlets and those in remote areas to sell this butter without loss. We are confident, however, that most consumers will be able to buy this butter at prices significantly lower than the maximum and expect prices of between 33 and 36p to be common in supermarkets.