§ Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements are being made to distribute European Economic Communities surplus commodities if voluntary bodies are unable to undertake the task;
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 5 February 1988]: As my right hon. Friend made clear in the announcement on 12 January, the Government are making butter and beef from intervention stores available, for distribution to the most 158W needy, in response to specific applications from suitably qualified organisations. We do not intend to introduce alternative arrangements.
§ Mr. Allen McKayTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if local authorities are able to deal with the distribution of European Economic Communities surplus commodities, and whether the cost of the distribution will be fully reimbursed from central Government sources.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 5 February 1988]: Local authorities may be designated under these arrangements provided they apply and can meet the conditions of the scheme. Reimbursement of administrative costs is available up to about 1 per cent. of the value of the products authorised for release to an organisation; and transport costs may be reimbursed at rates set in the Commission regulation. The cost of payments in both these categories would fall on Community funds.