HC Deb 18 February 1963 vol 672 cc3-4
6. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will publish in full the terms of the Irish Sugar Agreement before Parliament is asked to give further consideration to the matter in the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

Mr. Soames

The Press notice published on 1st November, 1962, gave full details of our agreement on sugar with the Irish Republic. At my hon. Friend's request, a copy of the draft Agreement was placed in the Library of the House. The Agreement will not be signed until Clause 21 of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill has been approved by Parliament and received the Royal Assent.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his behaviour in this matter gives the impression that he is a rather cloistered individual and that he has something to withhold? Is he further aware that the general sugar interests in this country, including my own constituency interest, have had very wide concern with the details of the Agreement? Would it be in order for me to photocopy the copy in the Library and distribute it to the interests concerned? If that is in order, why cannot my right hon. Friend do it from his Ministry and save me the trouble and inconvenience?

Mr. Soames

There is no question of anything being hidden. In fact, everything that matters was put out in the Press release which was circulated at the time; all the relevant things were included in it. My hon. Friend asked me some time back whether I could make fuller details available to him, and I said that I would see that a copy was put in the Library. There is no question of secrecy in this regard.

Mr. Peart

We had a very full debate on this Irish Sugar Agreement in Standing Committee on the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. Would the Minister recommend his hon. Friend the Member for Kidderminster (Sir G. Nabarro), who seems to wish to snipe at this Agreement, to read our proceedings carefully?

Mr. Speaker

It is not the duty of the Minister to make recommendations to his hon. Friend.