HC Deb 11 July 1939 vol 349 cc2045-7
40. Mr. Thorne

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the countries that are affiliated to the International Sugar Council; and what is the British representation upon the council?

Mr. Stanley

With the hon. Member's permission, I will circulate in the Official Report a list of the countries which are members of the International Sugar Council. The United Kingdom delegation consists of Sir Hugh Elles, who has been appointed chairman of the council, and officials of the Board of Trade and the Colonial Office.

Mr. Thorne

I take it for granted that the right hon. Gentleman is keeping a sharp eye on what the International Sugar Council are doing?

Mr. Stanley

We have been in rather constant communication with them.

Following is the list:

The Governments of the following countries signed the International Sugar Agreement:

* Owing to unsettled conditions in China, that country has not yet ratified the agreement.

† The legislation necessary for the ratification of the agreement by France has been completed, but the instrument of ratification has not yet been deposited.

‡ The agreement has not yet been ratified by Yugoslavia.

43. Colonel Arthur Evans

asked the President of the Board of Trade why raw sugar for prompt shipment to the United Kingdom is quoted at a premium of approximately 6d. per cwt. over the price of raw sugar for August shipment, and more than Is. per cwt. than the price for early September shipment, and an even greater premium for October-November shipments?

Mr. Stanley

There are, I think, two reasons for the premium on sugar for early shipment as compared with sugar for shipment from September onwards. In the first place, supplies for the remainder of the current quota year are at present, so far as can be estimated, somewhat below requirements. Secondly, requirements in the third year, which begins on 1st September next, are expected to be less than the basic quotas, while certain proposals which the International Sugar Council has made to deal with the position have not yet been approved by all the Governments concerned.

Colonel Evans

What country has withheld its approval of the present suggestions of the International Sugar Council; must not the effect of those premiums be that all manufacturers and users of sugar in this country will reduce their present stocks in order to avoid sub- stantial loss; and what action are His Majesty's Government taking to avoid this reduction in raw sugar stocks?

Mr. Stanley

We have written formally to the International Sugar Council saying that we consider there is a shortage of sugar and asking them to take steps.

Mr. Thorne

Is there a possibility of getting 80,000 tons of sugar sent from Russia?

Mr. Stanley

That depends upon the Russian Government.

Mr. R. Gibson

Are those prices for Cuban or for West Indian sugar?