Paddy Tipping sugar quota concern

Another appearance in the Commons when he quizzed Margaret Beckett about the renegotiation of EU sugar quotas:
Paddy Tipping (Sherwood, Lab)

"When she last met European Union colleagues to discuss the sugar regime."

Margaret Beckett (Derby South, Lab)

"At the Agriculture Council meeting on 19 July, Commissioner Fischler presented his latest communication setting out his preferred approach to reform of the EU sugar regime. EU Ministers will be resuming discussions at the November Agriculture Council meeting."

Paddy Tipping (Sherwood, Lab)

"In those discussions, will the Secretary of State argue strongly against equal quota cuts in all member states and in favour of taking out inefficient producers such as those in Greece and Finland, so that countries such as the United Kingdom, factories such as British Sugar's factory in Newark, and Nottinghamshire farmers can continue to prosper?"

Margaret Beckett (Derby South, Lab)

"I take my hon. Friend's point, and assure him that in our discussions I will, as ever, endeavour to safeguard and protect the competitive position of British farmers. I know he will understand, though, when I say that using the arguments he suggests may not work entirely to our advantage, certainly during a transitional period. Although qualified majority voting will apply, any proposals must carry a majority in the Council. However, I accept his underlying point: the present sugar regime is enormously distorting, and cannot be sustained."