§ Mr. DunnachieTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to ensure that the EC food mountains are redistributed to those in need, particularly in the third world; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. CurryThe European Community sends surplus food as short-term aid to famine areas, but it is often more cost effective to purchase food supplies from sources nearby. In the longer term, food aid is not an effective solution to food shortages, as it can hinder the development of local food production by depressing agricultural markets and increasing demand for imported products. The Government's policy is to supply cash, expertise, machinery and seeds to developing countries in order to improve their ability to feed themselves. The Government are also committed to securing overall reductions in the level of support and protection for Community agriculture, which would be of benefit to development countries.