§ 27. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the recent London talks on the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement.
§ Mr. PeartYes, Sir. The talks ended last Wednesday. There are no changes in the price and quota arrangements for 1968. In view of our application to join the E.E.C. it was agreed not to discuss the question of extension.
§ Mr. FarrI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, but can he give the House an assurance that he has borne in mind the immense value of the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement to many of the under-developed Commonwealth countries? Moreover, is he aware that the economies of many of these smaller nations are entirely dependent on their sugar crop?
§ Mr. PeartI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his remark. I pay tribute to the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement. It gives long-term security to many parts 428 of the world where they have only monoculture and provides prosperity for their people. It is of great value.