§ Mr. Muddasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the percentage change in the amount of surplus butter that has been held by intervention boards thin the EEC for the years 1983, 1984 and 1985, respectively; and what the estimated percentage change is for 1986;
(2) how much surplus butter was held by intervention boards within the EEC in 1983 and 1984, respectively;
(3) what the estimate is for the amount of surplus butter that will be held by intervention boards within the EEC for 1986.
§ Mr. GummerStocks of butter held in intervention stores in the European Community vary during the course of the year. The stock figures given below are average end-of-month quantities. For 1985, the figure is the average end-of-month stock level up to the latest month (October) for which figures are available. There is no Community estimate for likely stock levels in 1986.
484Weach year since 1967–68, together with as many future years for which estimates currently exist, the amount of money expended or to be expended by the Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation, and since 1983–84, the co-operative development division of Food From Britain on (a) grants to co-operatives and (b) administrative expenses.
§ Mr. GummerThe co-operative development division of Food From Britain, formerly the Central Council for Agricultural and Horticultural Co-operation, makes recommendations to Agriculture Ministers on a number of grant schemes. Government expenditure (in cash terms) on schemes and on the co-operative division's administrative expenses have been as follows:
Average end of month stock of intervention butter held in EC stores Percentage change over previous year per cent. 1983 634,604 +182 1984 1,062,307 +67 1985 1,047,818 -1