§ 1. Mr. Derek Pageasked the Minister of Overseas Development what estimate he has made of the effects of possible entry of Great Britain to the European Economic Community on the economies of sterling area producers of sugar, and the consequent changes in need for economic assistance.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Overseas Development (Mr. Albert E. Oram)If we enter the European Economic Community, the effects on Commonwealth sugar producing countries would depend on the precise terms negotiated at the time. We should, of course, have their interests very much in mind.
§ Mr. PageWill my hon. Friend bear in mind the particular reliance of these territories on this single crop, which outweighs, for instance, the reliance of New Zealand on its exports to this country, and will he make sure that this is taken fully into account? Otherwise, they could be ruined.
§ Mr. OramI agree that this is an important aspect of the sugar trade. For example, Barbados relies on sugar exports for 90 per cent. of its total exports, and there are others similarly placed. Certainly, this is a problem which will need careful consideration.
§ Sir Harmar NichollsWill conditions on matters such as this be settled before we join, or shall we have to wait till afterwards and then trust to luck?