§ Mr. Spearingasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish in the Official Report the policy of the EEC towards exports of sugar to third nations; and what statements have been made to this effect at the International Sugar Organisation in Geneva.
§ Mr. BishopThe EEC sugare régime provides for exports of Community-produced sugar to third countries to be controlled by a system of licensing supported by export restitutions or levies. When world market prices are lower than Community prices export refunds are paid. The refunds are intended to maintain the competitive position of EEC exporters on the world market. When world prices are significantly higher than those ruling in the Community or when available sugar supplies are insufficient to meet the needs of the Community, export levies may be imposed.
At the UNCTAD conference in Geneva to negotiate a new International Sugar Agreement the Community has confirmed its support for a new agreement. The Community's position is that such an agreement should be based on the international co-ordination of nationally held stocks to stabilise world market prices within an agreed price range.