§ Mr. Staintonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in view of the fact that the Sugar Act relates the United Kingdom price of sugar to the marginal world market, which procedure resulted in 171 changes in the price of refined sugar during 1963 when 95 per cent. of our requirements are obtained on contract from home and Commonwealth producers, he will seek to amend this Act to eliminate unnecessary fluctuations and speculative operations.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsA number of meetings have been held in recent months with the interested trade associations to consider ways of improving the working of the Sugar Act in present conditions. A number of changes not requiring legislation have been made and some minor amendments to the Sugar Act, 1956, have already been provided for in the present Finance Bill. These consultations are continuing and will include consideration of the possible advantages to the trade of a more stable internal price for sugar.