§ Mr. DowdTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans exist for EU food surplus distribution schemes in the next 12 months; and if he will give details of them. [40189]
§ Mr. BaldryAn EU surplus food scheme was introduced in 1988. This will continue in place next year, but there are no plans to distribute food in the United Kingdom through the scheme. Last November my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food announced, as part of the Government's expenditure plans, the UK's permanent withdrawal from participation, in line with the recommendations of the Ministry's fundamental expenditure review.