§ Mr. Pikeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many instances have occurred where supplies of surplus European Economic Community food being made available for free distribution have been found on sale in retail shops; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 389]: The Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce has detected three such cases involving a total of 81 retail-size packs of butter, and investigations of the circumstances are proceeding. All the butter concerned has been recovered for free distribution by charitable organisations to the most needy.
§ Mr. Terry Davisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will discuss the distribution arrangements for European Economic Community butter with the voluntary organisations which have been responsible for its distribution in Birmingham.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1987, c. 389]: My Department is in regular touch with the charitable organisations mentioned in my reply of 29 January to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes). They and others have put to us a number of points about distribution arrangements in Birmingham and other areas. The scheme ended on 31 March, but these observations will be noted for future reference.