asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the EEC Commission has power to provide subsidies for the export of cheese to the United States of America without specific authority from the Council of Ministers.

The Commission is authorised by the Council to make provision for the payment of export restitutions on dairy products in certain circumstances. The procedures to be followed and the factors to be taken into account by the Commission are laid down by the Council and ensure that the Commission acts in close consultation with member States.

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made on the likely fall in United Kingdom consumption of butter and cheese, respectively, when (a) the present subsidies are removed, (b) United Kingdom prices are increased to the full intervention level and (c) the monetary compensation allowances are abolished.

It is not possible to forecast future market developments, which will be influenced by many factors, including decisions still to be taken.