§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will assist with the distribution of surplus EC food by meeting the costs of distribution by charitable organisations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryDesignated organisations will be entitled to reimbursement of the costs of each of the two stages of transport from store to processor and from processor to distribution point, up to certain maximum levels. Organisations participating in the distribution will also be able to reclaim justifiable and directly related administrative costs.
§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated value of EC surplus food to be distributed in the United Kingdom, in 1991; how this total will be divided between the regions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe United Kingdom has been allocated some £17.62 million worth of butter and beef for distribution during 1991. The geographical spread of this distribution will depend solely on the voluntary participation of charitable and other non-profit-making organisations. Applications for designation are currently being considered and I will make a statement as soon as a decision has been made.
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§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are being taken to enable homeless and destitute people to receive a share of the surplus EC food to be distributed in the near future where no charitable organisation is available to organise the distribution; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe distribution of produce to all eligible groups depends entirely on the voluntary participation of suitable organisations and I have no plans to change this arrangement.