§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that those areas, such as the Banff and Buchan constituency, which did not receive adequate supplies of EEC butter, milk and cheese for distribution to the elderly and the unemployed will not be penalised by the fact that the scheme is due to end on 31 March; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will investigate as a matter of urgency the reason why there was a shortage of supplies for the EEC issue of butter, milk and cheese in the Banff and Buchan constituency; what arrangements will be made to meet the deficiency and issue supplies to the elderly and the unemployed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe assessment of needs in particular areas has been a matter for the charities involved, who have been responsible for ordering and distributing such quantities of foodstuffs as they have felt able to handle. They are to be warmly congratulated for the efforts they have made, and I have no plans to institute any alternative arrangements, or to seek an extension of the scheme beyond 31 March.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he anticipates that the voluntary organisations will be reimbursed their distribution costs from the EEC arising out of the issue of butter, milk and cheese to the elderly and the unemployed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayCertain costs for the packaging of foodstuffs and their delivery to the charities are, within256W limits, reimbursable. Provided all the necessary documentation is sent to the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce, payment is being made as quickly as is practicable, and generally within a week.