Sugar (International Agreement)

HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 cc841-2W

Mr. Marten

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the recent international sugar agreement.

Mr. John Silkin:

I welcome the successful negotiation at the UN sugar conference earlier this month of a new International Sugar Agreement intended to come into effect on 1st January 1978. When in operation it should bring greater stability to the world market price of sugar and the export earnings of producers, many of whom are in developing countries. The agreement contains a specific provision under which the European Economic Community can accede on special terms to be negotiated. I hope that these negotiations can begin as soon as possible.