§ Mr. Pymasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is now in a position, following his recent conference with Commonwealth sugar producers, to give details of the prospect of receiving the 1.4 million tons of sugar negotiated under Protocol 22 of the Treaty of Accession.
§ Mr. PeartDuring these talks I reaffirmed the Government's commitment to secure access for 1.4 million tons of raw sugar from the developing Commonwealth on fair terms and our intention to seek continuing access to the Community for Australian sugar. Their outcome was that intended, as all those present recognised, namely a valuable and timely exchange of views on the main aspects of any arrangements: quantities; prices and the considerations relevant to their determination; and other matters, such as the duration, review, and operation of the arrangements. The next stage will be negotiations on the precise terms for giving effect to the Community's undertakings on sugar contained in Protocol 22, and in the joint declaration of intent in respect of India, and to our stated intentions in respect of Australian sugar. These will take place within the Community and between it and the Governments concerned. I am confident that last week's talks have greatly facilitated the achievement of our declared aims.