HC Deb 11 November 1974 vol 881 cc10-1W
Mr. Body

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many tons of sugar have been exported by the United Kingdom in the last 12 months.

Mr. Strang

287,800 tons in the year ended 31st August 1974.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what contingency preparations have been made for introducing a system of sugar rationing; and what is the shortest time in which this could be done.

Mr. Strang

All Governments have contingency plans for a variety of emergency situations and other extreme circumstances but it would not be in the public interest to give details. We have made it clear that we do not at present consider that we should be justified in rationing sugar.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the minimum monthly levels of sugar imports and home production, and deliveries from wholesalers to retailers, which would have to be reached before a system of sugar rationing would be considered for introduction.

Mr. Strang

I do not think it would be helpful to speculate on these levels, particularly since I regard my hon. Friend's hypothesis as improbable.