§ 29. Mr. Farrasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of total United Kingdom sugar consumption in 1969 and 1970 was supplied by member countries of the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe proportions were 67 per cent. and 62 per cent. respectively.
§ Mr. FarrAs so high a proportion of our sugar comes from Commonwealth sources, will my hon. Friend ask my right hon. Friend not to tamper with this source of supply, which has become a part of history and serves to put first-class cheap sugar on our tables?
§ Mr. StodartThe review is a triennial one. The agreement for 1972–74 comes up for review in the autumn. No doubt my right hon. Friend will take note of what my hon. Friend has said.
§ Mr. StrangIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is some speculation that in the present E.E.C. negotiations the Government are considering a formula by which the Commonwealth sugar-producing countries would be allowed to supply less sugar but would be paid a higher price for it? For obvious reasons those countries are against such a proposition. Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that such a formula is no longer being seriously considered?
§ Mr. StodartThe members of the Community have been told that the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement is a contract up till 1974, and they have been asked for continuing arrangements after that for imports from the developing countries. We have not yet had a formal reply from them, but the problem is admitted.