§ Mrs. Fennerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of concern about the supply of sugar and the quota cut at present being operated to food manufacturers; and if he will take steps to improve the situation.
§ Mr. BuchanSupplies of raw sugar for refining have been reduced because of an interruption earlier this year in 185W shipments under the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement. As a result, refiners have had to reduce the quantities available for sale to food manufacturers at normal prices. Manufacturers are obtaining additional supplies from other sources, but these are more expensive due to high prices on the world market and in the EEC. We are in touch with the refiners about such action as can be taken to alleviate the situation and we expect the supply position to improve later in the year.