PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
EU SUGAR SUBSIDIES (18 July 2005)

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.

Sponsored by:
Ms Diane Abbott (Labour)