§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the amount of the State holding in the British 414W Sugar Corporation; and whether he proposes to dispose of all or part of the Government stake by a sale of the equity to the private sector.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe Government hold 14½ million shares (24.18 per cent, of the shares issued) in British Sugar Corporation Ltd. No decision has been taken on the disposal of these shares.
§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with the chairman of the British Sugar Corporation.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI most recently met Sir Gerald Thorley, chairman of the British Sugar Corporation, on 22 November, when he expressed to me the company's concern at the reported ideas of the Commission concerning the Community's future sugar regime. We will have further consultations after we have received the Commission's proposals.