HC Deb 19 February 1979 vol 963 cc27-8W
Mr. Freud

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the estimated sugar beet acreage for 1979; and if he will publish figures for each of the past three years.

Mr. Bishop

It is estimated that some 215,000 hectares of sugar beet will be grown in 1979. In the past three years the areas recorded in the agricultural returns at 1 June in each year were:

'000 hectares
1976 206
1977 202
1978 (provisional) 210

Mr. Freud

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he envisages to deter EEC member States from limiting sugar production during the present world surplus.

Mr. Bishop

I assume that the hon. Member meant to ask what action we envisage to encourage EEC member States to limit sugar production during the present world surplus. In preliminary discussion of the Commission proposals for CAP prices for 1979–80 my right hon. Friend has already argued for a reduction in sugar prices. He also firmly supports the Commission's proposal for a further reduction in the maximum quota for sugar to 120 per cent. of the basic quota.

Mr. Freud

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether steps are being taken within the EEC to ensure that the Community joins the new International Sugar Agreement; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bishop

The EEC has already declared its willingness to join the International Sugar Agreement if suitable terms can be negotiated. An informal exploratory meeting between the Community and a working group on accessions set up by the International Sugar Council took place on 15 December. Further discussions are likely to be held which will, I hope, lead in due course to the negotiation of terms on which the Community will be able to accede to the Agreement.