§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that Part 39, Sugar Regulation 225/72/EEC of 31st January, 1972, was published in English translation and made available to Members of Parliament on 27th May, 1972; and whether 209W he will explain how and in what way this will affect those engaged in this industry and the British consumer.
§ Mr. PriorThis regulation concerns the price to be paid for sugar beet when the Community increases the minimum price of beet, and hence the intervention price of sugar, between one sugar season and the next, and does not impose a levy equal to the increase on stocks of sugar held by sugar manufacturers at the date of the increase. It provides that the consequent rise in the value of the stocks in these circumstances shall, unless the sugar is being carried forward under the provisions of Article 32 of Regulation 1009/67, be passed on to the beet growers through a retrospective supplementary payment. The Regulation has no effect on the consumer.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what period of notice he was given of the European Economic Community's suspension of its import duties on beef.
§ Mr. PriorThe United Kingdom learned of the Community's proposed action on 25th May and the suspension of duties came into effect on 5th June.