HC Deb 17 May 1973 vol 856 cc1691-2
13. Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Queensland authorities on the future import of Queensland sugar into the United Kingdom.

30. Mr. Heffer

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the Australian cane-sugar quota will be cut off completely after 1974.

Mr. Godber

The effect on Australia's trade of our accession to the Community has been discussed with the Australian Government on a number of occasions. Reference has been made in these discussions to Protocol 16 of the Treaty of Accession, which provides for the possibility of remedial measures by the Community if particular problems arise. So far as sugar is concerned, we have made it clear that we would support a proposal from Australia under Protocol 16 for the phasing out of their present exports to this country after 1974 rather than their abrupt termination.

Mr. Body

My right hon. Friend will realise that my Question was about the Queensland authorities, and whether he had had any discussions with them. Will he say whether he has had such discussions? Will he say whether we are willing to give a firm undertaking that these supplies will not be discontinued abruptly and that they will be phased out over a period of years?

Mr. Godber

Our discussions take place with the Australian federal authorities rather than with the Queensland authorities. I think that that is the normal way for us to conduct any discussion. We are in close touch with Australia and it is for Australia to make the first move. It would be improper for me to comment further about Australia's attitude.

Mr. Alfred Morris

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is widespread feeling in Queensland that farmers there have been badly let down? Is he aware that some distinguished representatives of Queensland will be in this country in the near future? Will he undertake to discuss these matters with them?

Mr. Godber

We must conduct our negotiations officially with the Australian authorities as a whole. I shall be happy to talk with the Queensland authorities, but these discussions must take place on the normal basis of discussions between countries. It would be difficult for us to go beyond the normal channels.