HC Deb 23 February 1981 vol 999 c279W
Mr. Parry

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has the right of veto on the new EEC sugar regime due to commence on 1 July 1980; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

In theory the new sugar regime could be adopted by a qualified majority decision of the Council, but in practice matters of this importance are agreed unanimously. If agreement was not reached, quotas would lapse unless, as last year, existing arrangements, which involve higher United Kingdom and total Community quotas than the Commission has proposed, were extended.