HC Deb 08 February 1973 vol 850 cc179-81W
Mr. Roper

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how the refining margins to be received by United Kingdom cane sugar refiners under the common agricultural policy compare with those that they have previously received;

(2) what will be the refining margin received by United Kingdom cane sugar refiners under the European Communities common agricultural policy.

Mr. Godber

The decisions on sugar under the common agricultural policy taken in relation to Protocol 17 of the Treaty of Accession do not directly determine the margin for United Kingdom cane sugar refiners, but relate to the intervention price for white sugar and the special entry price for raw cane sugar under the Comonwealth Sugar Agreement. While these have a major influence on the refining margin this will also depend on a number of other factors affecting prices, which cannot be determined in advance. It has been made clear however that we fully stand by our obligations under the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement which involveinter alia a refining margin which is effectively equivalent to that currently in force so as to ensure that the agreed quantities are refined and marketed in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Roper

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now publish the decisions he has taken on the report of the inquiry into the re-organisation of the sugar industry.

Mr. Godber

Discussions with the industry are still in progress and no decisions have yet been reached.

Mr. Roper

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the conversion by the British Sugar Corporation of its remaining factories to straight-through production will require him to approve a new sugar refining agreement; and if so, when he intends to do so.

Mr. Godber

Since the repeal, with effect from 1st February 1973, of Sections 25 and 26 of the Sugar Act 1956, I am neither required nor empowered to approve sugar refining agreements.

Mr. Roper

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has approved the decision of the British Sugar Corporation to convert its three raw sugar factories to white sugar production over the next few years.

Mr. Godber

The British Sugar Corporation is a public company responsible to its shareholders, and does not require my approval for commercial decisions of this sort.