§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What quantity of British fruit and vegetables the Intervention Board redistributed in 1998 and 1999; and what is their target for this year. [HL3921]
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)The information requested is set out below:
Year Tonnage Distributed 1998 4.5 1999 720.6 This year over 120 tonnes has been distributed to date.
Since it is not possible to predict the timing or volumes of withdrawals it would be inappropriate to set targets in terms of the proportion or tonnage of withdrawn produce to be distributed.
The Intervention Board's aim is to facilitate free distribution of withdrawn produce so that all eligible recipients who wish to take advantage of the arrangements can do so.