§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many representations he received on the 1986 scheme to distribute free European Economic Community butter; and whether he will consult the retail trade and charitable organisations on the administration of any similar scheme in 1987 prior to proposals being finalised.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI received a large number of representations from hon. Members, members of the European Parliament, charitable and other organisations, trade bodies and members of the public on the free food arrangements operated in the United Kingdom in January-March 1987. The European Commission has recently proposed to the Council of Ministers a permanent free food scheme providing for distribution of products held in intervention stores to the most needy. The Council has not yet taken a decision. I am reflecting on what scope there would be for distributions of butter and beef from intervention stores in the United Kingdom under the Commission's proposals if adopted. I am in close touch with the charitable organisations on this point, and will conduct appropriate wider consultations as and when necessary.