asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of Exchequer subsidies on food commodities for each of the years 1976, 1977 and 1978.
Written Answers. - Food Subsidies.
319.
The cost to the Exchequer of subsidies on food commodities in 1976 and 1977 and the Exchequer provision made for these subsidies in 1978 are £39.8 million, £52.3 million and £57.1 million respectively. In addition, the EEC provided £3.4 million in 1976 and £5.4 million in 1977 to supplement the Exchequer subsidy on butter. Assuming the present EEC subsidy arrangements continue for the remainder of 1978, the amount of the EEC contribution for this year will be about £6.25 million.