§ Ms KeebleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what account is being taken of the needs of the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries in relation to the reform of the EU sugar regime. [94135]
§ Ms QuinMy Department has consulted the full range of UK sugar interests, including the ACP London Group, for views on the forthcoming reform of the EU sugar regime. Responses to this exercise will help the Government formulate their line in time for next year's negotiations. Meanwhile we would strongly encourage the 921W ACP to make their views known in Brussels to enable the Commission to take them into account as it draws up its reform proposals.
§ Ms KeebleTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to make a submission to the European Commission on the EU sugar regime; and if he will make a statement. [94136]
§ Ms QuinThe EU sugar regime is due for review next year. We have consulted UK sugar interests on their views in preparation for the forthcoming negotiations. At this stage we have no plans to make a submission to the European Commission. We expect them to come forward with proposals for sugar reform early in the new year.