asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection under which article of the Treaty of Rome long-term food subsidies applied by any member States are prohibited; and if he will state the terms of the article concerned.

Consumer subsidies on food are not prohibited under the Treaty of Rome provided they are compatible with the Common Market. Articles 92 to 94 lay down general rules about aids granted by member states. Such aids are prohibited only if they distort, or threaten to distort, competition and affect trade between member States.