HC Deb 04 February 1982 vol 17 cc531-2
11. Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he can estimate the quantity of sugar that will be exported by the European Economic Community in respect of the crop harvested in 1981.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The current forecast is for total exports of about 4.7 million tonnes.

Mr. Body

Does my right hon. Friend believe that in those circumstances the Community can join the International Sugar Agreement?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

We can join the International Sugar Agreement. It is interesting that other countries that are already members would welcome the Community doing so. A significant thing that we can do, and are already doing, is to make sure that our marketing of surplus sugar is done in an orderly way on the world market.

Mr. Mark Hughes

Will the Minister of State accept that about the most morally offensive part of the common agricultural policy is the selling of sugar with massive taxpayer support on refunds against the incomes of some of the poorest countries in the world and that the quantities involved and the level of export restitutions are wholly distasteful and unacceptable to the House and the country?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I agree that it is important to reduce the surplus of sugar in the Community. Before the hon. Gentleman makes such exaggerated statements, he should get his facts straight. Of those 4.7 million tonnes, only 2.5 million tonnes qualify for export refunds. The Community is committed to help the export of those an equivalent amount to the 1.3 million tonnes that we take from ACP countries. There is direct help arising from what we import from other countries. The hon. Gentleman does not seem to realise that most of that money is funded out of levies on producers.

Mr. Marlow

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House how the CAP price of sugar compares with the world market price and say, if it were available at the world market price, what the effect would be on the price of packet sugar in the shops?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

As my hon. Friend knows, the world price goes up and down. For a time last year levies were paid on exports. I regret that my hon. Friend's question shows his total failure to realise what the real world food situation is.