§ Mrs. ShephardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had on the reform of the sugar regime; and if he will make a statement. [147185]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 25 January 2001]The reform of the sugar regime is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. However, I have had frequent discussions with my right hon. Friend the Minister of State and her officials, about the interaction between the proposals from the European Commission for reform of the sugar regime and the proposal to provide duty and quota-free access for all LDC goods except arms. The Government regret the inconsistency between these two proposals and are pressing in Brussels for this issue to be addressed.