asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to reports that the Irish Sugar Company had to turn down a proposed contract for the export of 60,000 tonnes of sugar to India, at a value of £12 million, because of the inadequacy of the company's EC sugar quota; if it is intended to seek any increase in the quota in view of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - EC Sugar Quota.
35.
The choice of markets for Irish sugar is a matter for the Irish Sugar Company which makes such choices on the basis of the relative profitability of the various outlets available. Under Community rules, no export refund is payable on exports of sugar in excess of quota. The price obtainable for sugar in third countries, such as India, is in general far below prices available in the well established markets within the Community which the company normally supplies.
The Community sugar regime, including the quota system, is due to be reviewed by the Council before 1 January 1991. Even though the present oversupply of sugar in the Community is likely to persist, I will be doing all I can to ensure that the outcome of that review is as favourable as possible for Irish producers of beet and sugar.