HC Deb 04 February 1988 vol 126 cc720-1W
14. Mr. Litherland

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the latest situation regarding the operation of the European Community free food scheme.

Mr. Gummer

My right hon. Friend announced on 12 January that butter and beef would be made available, subject to Commission authorisation, in response to applications from charitable or non-profit-making organisations meeting appropriate conditions. Agriculture Departments have invited applications by a closing date of 29 February. These will be considered together, and scaled down if necessary to fit the finance available.

28. Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with organisations eligible for operating the EC free food scheme.

Mr. Gummer

I and my Department have kept in close touch with the main charitable organisations at every stage in the evolution of the scheme.

When it became clear that organisations other than charities would be eligible to participate in this scheme, although they had been excluded by the European Community from the previous scheme, I made sure that they, too, were informed.

75. Mr. Ashton

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a further statement on the distribution of surplus Common Market food.

Mr. Gummer

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given earlier today to the hon. Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Litherland).