HC Deb 19 February 1976 vol 905 cc769-70W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the amount of cane sugar which will be imported in 1976 and 1977, respectively; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bishop

On the assumption of a normal shipping pattern it is estimated that the total amounts of cane sugar which will be imported into the United Kingdom in calendar years 1976 and 1977 will be about 1.47 and 1.43 million metric tonnes white value respectively. Apart from preferential sugar imported under the Lomé Convention and related agreements these estimates include some world market sugar imported for refining and re-export.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the EEC about cane sugar imports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bishop

My right hon. Friend is currently discussing in the Council of Ministers matters affecting cane sugar imports.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with representatives of cane sugar refineries about the effect of EEC policies on cane sugar imports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bishop

There continues to be full discussion between the Department and representatives of the cane sugar refining industry about the effect of EEC policies on cane sugar imports.