HC Deb 20 March 1980 vol 981 cc300-1W
Mr. Shersby

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, when pressing the case for transferring caramel to the cereals regime, he will draw the attention of the EEC Commissioners to the unfair competition resulting from the fact that the United States manufacturers can buy glucose based on United States maize prices of less than £50 per ton for the production of caramel whereas British caramel manufacturers have to pay £100 per ton; and if he will seek with them the implementation of urgent measures to remedy this situation.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

We have made further representations in Brussels this week, calling on the Commission to propose the changes in Council legislation necessary for caramel to be transferred to the cereals regime. It has been made clear that urgent action is required on account of competition from caramel produced in third countries, where the cost of maize is much lower than in the Community.