asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will give details of the remaining food subsidies and the items of food to which they apply; the amount these food subsidies cost in 1984 and the expenditure on them to date in the current financial year; and if he will make a statement on the future of food subsidies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Food Subsidies.
34.
My function in this area relates only to the administration of the consumer subsidy on bread. The subsidy is applied to standard bread sold for human consumption within the State. The amount expended on bread subsidy in 1984 was £32.8 million and expenditure in the current year up to 30 November amounted to £17.7 million. The Government policy in relation to food subsidies was outlined in the National Plan, Building on Reality.
It was suggested that when the child benefit scheme would be introduced the subsidy would be withdrawn. Is that still the intention of the Minister?
Building on Reality stated that further reductions in food subsidies would be deferred until the introduction of the child subsidy scheme, which would compensate low income families for increased food costs. The detailed financial provisions in the plan, at Table 7.1, specifies the amount for food subsidies.
It was indicated that the food subsidies would be withdrawn in 1986. Is it the intention to withdraw the remaining food subsidies next year?
To my knowledge there is no change in the Government's provisions in this matter. It is outlined in the national plan. There is no change in the provisions, some of which I have cited, and I have given the Deputy the reference to the other. No doubt he can consult a copy of the plan.
The remaining questions down for oral answer will be treated as written.