HC Deb 27 April 1981 vol 3 cc326-7W
Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the latest figures available for sugar imports from the European Economic Community; what are the comparable figures for the last 10 years; and whether there will be any increase in European Economic Community imports arising from United Kingdom production loss due to the closure of British Sugar Corporation factories at Ely, Felstead, Nottingham, and Selby.

Mr. Peter Walker

Imports were as follows:

Year Thousand tonnes white sugar equivalent
1970 108
1971 46
1972 44
1973 71
1974 368
1975 659
1976 307
1977 400
1978 288
1979 202
1980 169

Note: Includes imports from the Overseas Departments of France.

Source: 1970 and 1971 International Sugar Organisation. 1972 to 1980 Overseas Trade Accounts.

Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what figures are available for the total job loss arising from the proposed closure of British Sugar Corporation factories at Ely, Felstead, Nottingham, and Selby; what jobs are likely to be lost in related industries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Walker

In announcing the closures, the corporation said that some 750 permanent and 500 seasonal jobs would be lost. The effect in related industries will be minimal, as the closures should not affect the quantity of beet grown or the quantity of sugar marketed.

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