§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of current levels of employment dependent upon the British sugar beet crop and the impact implementation of the new EU sugar regime would have on such employment. [137592]
§ Ms QuinIndustry sources estimate that around 24,000 people are involved in the sugar beet industry. These figures are not full-time equivalents; much employment in the sugar beet sector is on a seasonal basis. We have received no representations to suggest that the Commission's immediate sugar regime reform proposals would of themselves have a significant effect on employment.
§ Mr. GillTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effect upon farm incomes of implementing the new EU sugar beet regime. [137593]
§ Ms QuinNo agreement has yet been reached on the proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime. The impact on farm incomes of the proposal in its current form is not expected to be significant.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with the European Commission concerning the financing of the UK sugar beet industry; and if he will make a statement. [138907]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 17 November 2000]: In discussions in Brussels on the EU sugar regime and its reform, the Government regularly draw the Commission's attention to the economic position of the UK sugar industry, both cane and beet.