§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline the Common Market Commission proposals for an export levy on sugar-based commodities sold outside the Community; what assessment he has made of the likely impact of these proposals on the United Kingdom confectionery industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StrangThe Commission has stated that the rate of levy on these products will be 20 units of account per 100 kg of added sugar, and that products containing 35 per cent. sugar or less will be exempt. Further details will not be known until the implementing regulations are available. Discussions are taking place with the industry about the possible effects of the levy.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the agreement reached by the EEC Council of Ministers concerning sugar on 18th November last is to be expressed as a draft regulation; and, if not, what is the nature of the final agreement.
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§ Mr. StrangThe agreement reached at the Council of Agricultural Ministers on 19th November 1974 concerned the mandate for negotiating terms with the developing Commonwealth and existing EEC associates for continuing supplies of sugar to the Community. The terms of the final agreement with these countries will of course be published as soon as the negotiations are completed.