Written question asked by Tony Cunningham (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 September 2004. It was answered by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether under Common Agricultural Policy reform of the sugar protocol there are transitional arrangements for African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

Answer: Tony Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether under Common Agricultural Policy reform of the sugar protocol there are transitional arrangements for African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. [186324] Mr. Gareth Thomas: The European Commission (EC) presented a Communication to the Agriculture Council on 19 July that set out their preferred option for reform. To address the impact on the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP)s, the European Commission will work with affected countries on the basis of an action plan to be produced by the end of 2004 to define appropriate trade and development measures. Tailor made programmes should help ACPs adapt and improve the competitiveness of their sugar industry where viable or help to support their diversification out of sugar. DFID welcomes this commitment in the Communication and are keen to help facilitate the dialogue between the EC and the ACP on this action plan. DFID is commissioning a study from the Overseas Development Institute that should help those countries affected determine their priorities for a transitional package.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 424 c947W; 186324
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Developing countries Africa Sugar Caribbean ACP countries Common sugar regime