Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements and support he will provide to assist the distribution of free EEC foods to the needy in Ulster in 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ViggersThe implementation of the new EC scheme for distributing surplus food to the most needy announced on 12 January 1988 by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will operate in Northern Ireland. Butter and beef will be available in response to specific applications received from charitable or non-profit-making organisations which meet appropriate conditions.
Quantities will be limited to amounts specifically authorised by the European Commission within the finance available. Designated organisations will be eligible to receive contributions within the terms of the EC regulation towards their administrative and transport 550W costs. Commission rules also provide for arrangements to be made with individual processors for a proportion of product handled to be retained by the processor as payment.