§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy in respect of ensuring that changes in the Sugar Protocol and Lome Convention do not create further competitive advantages for beet at the expense of cane. [105492]
§ Ms QuinEU/ACP trade talks are due to conclude next month. They are expected to roll forward the Sugar Protocol for a further eight years, and to provide for its review by 2008. In any review a major UK policy consideration will be the need for an equitable outcome for the cane refining sector to maintain its competitive position relative to the beet sugar sector.