HC Deb 10 November 1958 vol 595 cc4-5
6. Mr. Oram

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement on the recent United Nations Sugar Conference at Geneva.

Mr. John Hare

The Conference concluded a new International Sugar Agreement to run for five years from 1st January, 1959. The new Agreement, whilst maintaining the broad structure of the present one, provides for higher minimum stocks to be held in exporting countries, and for earlier and more flexible adjustment of export quotas in accordance with changes in supply and price. It continues to recognise the special position of the Commonwealth sugar-exporting territories under the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement, and their right to a share of the expanding market for sugar, by providing for an increase of 75,000 tons in their exports of sugar in 1960 and 1961.

The text of the new Agreement will be laid before Parliament, and I hope to make a further statement in due course.

Mr. Oram

Can the Minister say whether the agreement provides for equality of voting as between producing and consuming countries? Further, in view of the apparently satisfactory nature of these dicussions, will the Government be encouraged to pursue international commodity agreements rather more force-f ally in future?

Mr. Hare

It would be fairer to the House and to the hon. Gentleman if he would await my more detailed statement on this subject later.