HC Deb 17 February 1977 vol 926 c694
14. Mr. Loyden

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the British sugar refining industry.

Mr. John Silkin

Discussions on the reorganisation of the cane sugar refineries still continue, but I cannot at this stage add anything to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 20th January.

Mr. Loyden

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the workers in the industry have shown some confidence in the way in which the Minister has tackled the sugar refining question? Is he also aware of the continuing concern of the workers in the future of their industry? Does he not appreciate that any question of rationalisation that may lead to the removal of thousands of jobs from Merseyside will be resisted not only by workers in Tate and Lyle but by the whole Merseyside trade union movement?

Mr. Silkin

I pay tribute to the splendid work carried out by my hon. Friend in seeking to protect the interests of his constituents.—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I hope that all hon. Members are as zealous in seeking the good of their constituents. I assure my hon. Friend that the subject of employment is firmly in the Government's mind in this context.