Written question asked by Lord Greaves (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 December 2005.

EU Sugar Regime

Question: What changes are forecast in the prices to consumers in the United Kingdom over the next four years, following the introduction of the reform to the common market organisation for sugar, of (a) a typical 100 gram bar of chocolate; (b) a typical 500 gram packet of sweet digestive biscuits; (c) a typical packet of chocolate half-coated digestive biscuits; (d) a pound of mint imperials or similar sweets; (e) sweets and sugar-based confectionery generally; and (f) a pint of beer.

Answer: Five categories of sugar-containing products were considered in a September 2004 Defra-commissioned study by Leatherhead Food International: confectionary, soft drinks, other confectionary, cakes and biscuits, and preserves. According to industry estimates, refined sugar accounts for 10-20 per cent. of costs for a firm using sugar to produce a wholesale product. Defra’s regulatory impact assessment on sugar reform estimates that for a 36 per cent. price cut in sugar, average retail prices of the various sugar containing products would be expected to fall by between 1 per cent. (cakes etc.) and 9 per cent. (preserves), depending upon the importance of sugar in the product.More precise forecasts for the specific products listed in the question have not been made, but they would be expected to fall within this range.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2845; 676 c147-8WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Beer Chocolate Confectionery Prices Reform Sugar Common sugar regime
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk