§ 21. Mr. de Rothschildasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the circumstances which have made it necessary for the International Sugar Council to meet in 1987 London this week; whether it will discuss a request of the British Government for the expediting of sugar exports from Empire countries to Great Britain; whether this request was communicated to the delegates of the countries represented on the council; and which delegates declined to accede to it?
§ Mr. StanleyAs I informed the House on 23rd May, in answer to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cardiff, South (Captain A. Evans), a meeting of the International Sugar Council was called for 13th June to consider the recommendation of the council's Executive Committee that part of the additional sugar required during the current quota year should be obtained by increasing the quotas of the British Dominions and Colonies by 153,000 metric tons. The council had before it at this meeting a letter from the United Kingdom Government formally asking the council, under the terms of Article 51 (b) of the International Sugar Agreement, to remedy the shortage of supplies. The additional quotas were approved by the council unanimously on 14th June.
§ Mr. de RothschildIs the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to have the International Sugar Agreement implemented, so that other countries shall not use it to delay this country?
§ Mr. StanleyI do not accept the suggestion. The increased quota has been agreed to, and agreed to unanimously.
§ Mr. ThorneIf they have not complied with the Government's request, what action are the Government taking?
§ Mr. StanleyI said that they have complied with our request.