§ Mr. Altonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the employment situation at Tate and Lyle, Liverpool.
§ Mr. Jim LesterI know there have been, and still are, problems in the cane sugar refining industry and that these have been particularly felt at the Tate and Lyle refinery in Liverpool. The current renegotiation of the EEC sugar regime is adding to the uncertainties. The current proposals do, however, recognise the continuing commitment to import raw cane sugar from the third world.
My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is well aware of these problems and will have the possible effects on employment at Tate and Lyle in mind during the negotiations.