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Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Answer

Mr. Foulkes: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has undertaken studies of the possible impact of the proposed reform of the EU sugar regime on the internal security situation in Jamaica in relation to the flow of narcotics and illegal weapons to the United Kingdom. [206923] Mr. Rammell: We are aware of concerns about the implications of reform to the EU sugar regime for the Jamaican economy and society. We have discussed these concerns with the Jamaican Government at a senior level, and with other interested parties. In recognition of the impact that reform of the EU sugar regime will have on African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) sugar producers, the European Commission has undertaken to initiate dialogue with the affected ACP countries, including Jamaica, on the basis of an Action Plan. This will be used to define appropriate accompanying measures. These are likely to include financial assistance and help with diversification where restructuring and improvements in competitiveness in the sugar sector are not sustainable.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

206923; 429 c637W;429 c635W

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Economic situation EU external trade Prices Security Reform Sugar Caribbean Jamaica Common sugar regime

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk