§ Mr. Parryasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions took place between his Department and Tate and Lyle concerning the proposed closure of the Liverpool refinery.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI and my officials have discussed with the company in recent months the various factors affecting the future of sugar refining in the United Kingdom, the likely effects of closure on the United Kingdom sugar market and on the capacity to refine the quantities of raw sugar expected to be imported under the Lom é arrangements, and the employment consequences. Discussions also covered the prospects of alternative solutions and the various forms of Government aid that might be available; similar discussions were held between the Department of Industry and the company.