Written question asked by Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 December 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 December 1997. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 December 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: Statement on the Government's intention to participate in the EU Surplus Food Scheme in 1998. - Includes figure

Answer: Ms Stuart: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is the Government's intention to participate in the EU Surplus Food Scheme in 1998; and if he will make a statement. [21658] Mr. Rooker: Yes. The European Commission has allocated the United Kingdom some £20.3 million to operate the Scheme during 1998. Approximately 10 million cans of stewed steak will be made available to local authorities and to charitable and other non-profit making organisations to distribute to those on Income Support, Family Credit, Jobseekers Allowance (income based only) or Disability Working Allowance, the homeless and destitute and those living in welfare hostels. The Scheme will only involve UK intervention beef which contains no offal and will be from animals killed when they were under thirty months of age and is no different to the meat currently available in the shops. I am pleased that this surplus beef is to be put to good use.

Secondary information