HC Deb 11 July 1975 vol 895 c300W
Me. Spearing

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what imports or refined or partially refined white beet sugar have been received by the United Kingdom in 1975; what imports are expected; for what purposes; and under what arrangements.

Mr. Bishop

Some 300,000 tons were imported up to the end of May, and contracts are believed to have been made for the import of around 150,000 tons during the remainder of the year. Virtually all these imports are from other EEC member States. So far as I am aware, the sugar has been imported either for retail sale or for use by the food industry, although some is, I understand, first being re-refined in this country. No special arrangements apply to these imports, which take place under the normal rules of the EEC's agricultural policy designed to facilitate the free movement of goods within the Community.