§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with(a) other UK Government Departments and (b) her EU counterparts regarding the effect of coffee prices on developing countries; and if she will make a statement. [10591]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 26 October 2001]The UK recognises that the coffee market is experiencing record low prices and remains committed to poverty reduction in developing countries.
The UK, like other EU member states and the European Commission, is a member of the International Coffee Organisation. At the 85th meeting of its governing body, the International Coffee Council, on 25–28 September 2001, the Council resolved to establish a Quality Committee to facilitate measures for the withdrawal from the market of defective beans and those with a moisture content above a certain level. This will provide practical advice and support to a resolution by producers aimed at reducing the total amount of low-grade coffee beans on the world market. The beans would not be stockpiled but either destroyed or diverted to other purposes such as cosmetics, animal feed or fuel.