HC Deb 26 February 1992 vol 204 cc507-8W
Mr. Alison

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements he is making for the implementation of the EC surplus food scheme in the United Kingdom in 1992–93; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gummer

In its report on the operation of the first two years of this scheme the European Commission accepted that, judged as a food surplus disposal exercise, the scheme is inevitably expensive when compared with other mean of surplus disposal. However, it concluded that the facility to operate the scheme should continue to be available to member states.

The Government endorse the view that the scheme is not a satisfactory method of dealing with surpluses and of assisting those whom it should help. Nevertheless, the Government believe that eligible United Kingdom citizens should continue to have the opportunity of benefiting from the scheme in 1992–93.

For 1992, the Commission has, as in 1991, allocated some 150 mecu to the scheme for the European Community as a whole. The United Kingdom has maintained its share, some 25 mecu, which represents about £17.9 million worth of butter and beef.

The scheme already makes produce available in the United Kingdom to certain clearly defined categories of people. These are:

  • —those in receipt of income support or family credit
  • —the homeless and destitute
  • —those living in welfare hostels

We have decided to add to those recipients of the disability working allowance within the categories of those eligible.

Pensioners or the unemployed are eligible if they fall into one or other of these categories.

Agriculture departments will be inviting charitable and other non-profit making organisations wishing to take part in the distribution to apply for designation. Organisations will have the usual six weeks to submit their application. To improve the cost-effectiveness of the scheme, the designation of organisations will be for a period of two years. Preference will continue to be given to organisations providing meals for the homeless and those capable of distributing produce widely throughout their local Community.

We are arranging for further details to be publicised widely and to be sent to the appropriate bodies. Copies of this information have been placed in the Libraries.