HC Deb 08 June 1964 vol 696 c28W
Mr. W. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the reasons for the increase of almost 4s. in the £ in the prices of sugar, preserves and confectionery from January, 1962, to April, 1964; and if he will give the comparable increase, expressed in similar terms, between January, 1952, and January, 1962.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

There were two main reasons for this increase: first, the change in the world price of sugar which, because of poor crops in Cuba and in Europe, was £65 10s. per ton in April, 1964, compared with £21 10s. per ton in January, 1962, with peaks of over £100 per ton meanwhile; and second, the introduction of 15 per cent. purchase tax on chocolate and sugar confectionery.

The comparable increase between January, 1952, and January, 1962, was about 5s. 6d. in the £.