§ 18. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he estimates will be the extra amount of sugar consumed annually in this country as a result of the ban on cyclamates; and what proportion of this additional amount he expects to be supplied from nations who are signatories of the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement.
§ Mr. HoyRecent usage of cyclamates has been equivalent in sweetening power to something like 15,000 tons of sugar per year, but I expect only part of this 999 to be replaced by sugar. The sugar refiners have for many years undertaken to use Commonwealth sugar for the home trade, in preference to non-Commonwealth sugar, provided it is offered competitively.
§ Mr. FarrWould not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the benefits to this country of the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement are once again driven home now that sugar prices are starting to climb as a result of the ban on cyclamates?
§ Mr. HoyThe House knows my view on the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement, of which I have been a loyal supporter, and which is the policy of the Government.
§ Mr. StodartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that home-produced sugar is now competitive in price with that produced elsewhere? Will he bear in mind that Scotland is a member of the Commonwealth and that any increased consumption of sugar would be welcome at the Cupar factory?
§ Mr. HoyI thought that I would get that question about Cupar. But I have made it clear that Commonwealth sugar will make up the difference, if necessary.