HL Deb 30 November 2000 vol 619 cc165-6WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Following the latest proposals by the European Union Commission on the future of the European Union Sugar Regime, what is their policy towards the future of that regime with particular reference to Commonwealth countries whose economies are largely dependent on secure sugar supplies.[HL4807]

Baroness Hayman

The Government are aware that some Commonwealth countries are concerned about the impact of these proposals on their sugar industries. On the LDC market access proposal the Government are committed to ensuring that the views of the Commonwealth countries are taken into account by the Commission and other member states.

In any case, it is important that Common wealth countries which are dependent on sugar exports take steps to improve their competitiveness.