asked the Minister for Agriculture the amount of subsidy paid in January 1977 and 1981 and at the latest available date on a pound of butter, a pint of milk and a pound of cheese; and the total cost of subsidies on each item to the Exchequer for 1977 and 1981 with an estimate for 1982.

The following table shows the information sought regarding subsidies in respect of milk, butter, and cheese in 1977, 1981 and 1982.

¹ The consumer subsidy on cheese was paid only in respect of the period 1 April 1977 to 12 January 1978.

² Includes an estimate of £2,000 in respect of the Island Butter Subsidy Scheme.

³ (a) relates to Exchequer contribution only, (b) relates to total subsidy i.e. combined Exchequer and EEC contributions.