HC Deb 12 June 1964 vol 696 cc112-3W
Mr. Stainton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) in response to what specific supply or demand features in the world sugar market the price of United Kingdom refiner's sugar fell by 6s. 6d. per cwt. on 21st May, 1964;

(2) in response to what specific supply or demand features in the world sugar market the price of United Kingdom refiner's sugar rose by 2s. 7½d. per cwt. on 25th May, 1964;

(3) in response to what specific supply or demand features in the world sugar market the price of United Kingdom refiner's sugar fell by 2s. 7½d. per cwt. on 26th May, 1964.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

The movements in the ex-refinery price of sugar on the dates mentioned were caused by similar movements in the world price of raw sugar. I am unable to say with any certainty what specific supply or demand features in the world sugar market gave rise in turn to these latter movements.

Mr. Stainton

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of United Kingdom sugar requirements during the past two months came from stable contract sources at home and in the Commonwealth.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

It is not possible to provide the figure requested by my hon. Friend for the months of April and May this year. For the year 1963, 83¾ per cent. of United Kingdom requirements came from stable contract sources (home production and supplies under the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement and the South African Sugar Agreement); for the year 1962, the figure was 92½ per cent.