§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the surplus of wine produced by the EEC in the most recent year for which figures are available; what were the comparable totals for each of the previous six years; and what is the current level of wine stocks held in private and public stores.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonIn 1985–86 production of wine in member states of the Community (excluding Spain and Portugal) exceeded Community utilisation by 17.2 million hectolitres.
The comparable figures for the previous six years were:
845W
Million hectolitres 1984–85 14.4 1983–84 39.2 1982–83 37.6 1981–82 4.1 1980–81 22.0 1979–80 38.0 At 31 August 1986, stocks of wine held in private storage with the benefit of Community aid stood at 14.6 mhl. There are no publicly held stocks of wine as such. Community surpluses are distilled and stored as alcohol.