§ 1. Mr. Strangasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from trade unions representing workers in the sugar beet industry regarding the European Economic Community Commission's proposal for a new sugar regime; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Alick Buchanan-Smith)In addition to correspondence, my right hon. Friend has received a delegation from unions representing workers in the beet sugar industry. He explained the importance that the United Kingdom attaches to the reduction of the Community surplus and to the Community's commitment to the ACP countries. He also explained our criticism of the present proposals of the Commission.
§ Mr. StrangWill the Minister make it clear to the House that the Government are determined to resist a proposal which discriminates against Britain, and which threatens jobs and investment in the British Sugar Corporation? Further, will he confirm that the Government will not contemplate in the future any reduction in the 1.3 million tonnes which we import under the Loméconvention? That is part of our commitment to the developing world, and it is vital to employment in the cane refineries.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe answer is "Yes" to both points. In reply to the hon. Gentleman's second point, the Loméconvention is a commitment undertaken by the Community.
§ Mr. BodyDoes not the Minister agree that it is important for the EEC to subscribe to the international sugar agreement? It would be impossible for the EEC to do that so long as it continues to dump up to 3 million tonnes of sugar on the world markets.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithAs my hon. Friend knows, we support the general 1846 cutback of sugar production within the Community. We are concerned that its proposed cutback discriminates unfairly against beet producers in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. KimballIs it not a fact that the post-1980 sugar regime is based upon wrong calculations of the British crop? Therefore, it is grossly unfair to the growers in the United Kingdom. Will the Minister bear in mind the value of sugar beet as a break crop, not only as a cash crop, for which oil seed rape is no substitute?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWe have pointed out forcibly to the Commission, and shall continue to argue in the Council of Ministers, that the basis of the Commission's proposals is not representative of sugar beet production in the United Kingdom. I assure my hon. Friend that we shall continue our arguments.