Below is the text of Mr Major’s Parliamentary written question on Sugar, published on 22nd February 1980.
Mr. Major Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his present policy in relation to the production of home-grown sugar beet; and if the policy adopted by the previous Administration as set out in the White Paper “Food from Our Own Resources” is still the policy of Her Majesty’s Government.
Mr. Buchanan-Smith Many circumstances have changed since that White Paper was published, but the economic case for expansion of United Kingdom sugar beet production remains strong. That is why my right hon. Friend has made it clear that we cannot accept the EEC Commission’s present proposals for an unjustified and discriminatory cut in the United Kingdom maximum quota.
Mr. Major Asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to conclude an agreement with our EEC partners for the sugar review 1980 to 1985.
Mr. Buchanan-Smith We recognise the importance for beet growers of removing the uncertainty about the sugar arrangements to apply from 1 July 1980. My right hon. Friend has pressed for the speedy agreement of equitable arrangements satisfactory to the United Kingdom. The Council will be discussing this further at its meeting on 3-4 March.