§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the latest figures available for sugar imports from the European Economic Community; what are the comparable figures for the last 10 years; and whether there will be any increase in European Economic Community imports arising from United Kingdom production loss due to the closure of British Sugar Corporation factories at Ely, Felstead, Nottingham, and Selby.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerImports were as follows:
Year Thousand tonnes white sugar equivalent 1970 108 1971 46 1972 44 1973 71 1974 368 1975 659 1976 307 1977 400 1978 288 1979 202 1980 169 Note: Includes imports from the Overseas Departments of France.
Source: 1970 and 1971 International Sugar Organisation. 1972 to 1980 Overseas Trade Accounts.
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§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what figures are available for the total job loss arising from the proposed closure of British Sugar Corporation factories at Ely, Felstead, Nottingham, and Selby; what jobs are likely to be lost in related industries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerIn announcing the closures, the corporation said that some 750 permanent and 500 seasonal jobs would be lost. The effect in related industries will be minimal, as the closures should not affect the quantity of beet grown or the quantity of sugar marketed.