EU SUGAR SUBSIDIES

Early day motion 616, tabled 19 July 2005 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 43 members.

That this House recognises that the system of inflated price guarantees, export refunds and high import tariffs surrounding sugar exemplifies how the Common Agricultural Policy distorts trade and makes it impossible for African and Caribbean farmers to compete on the international stage; notes that European sugar farmers currently get 1.7 billion euros a year from the European Commission, a sum which maintains the EU price for sugar at about three times less than the world market price; further notes that the cost of production of sugar in African and Caribbean countries is far lower than in Europe; and calls on the Government to promote free trade throughout the European Union and developing nations to cease unfair advantages to EU countries through subsidies.

Signatures by party: Labour 25, Liberal Democrat 10, Conservative 2, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.