Local Euro MP: 'Has British Sugar prepared to access EU funds?'

1.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 6th Jul 2006

Commenting on the closure of the British sugar factory in York, the local Liberal Democrat Euro MP, Diana Wallis, has said:

"I visited British Sugar in York and met with local farmers in the run-up to the changes to the sugar sector in the EU which it seems is behind the York factory closure.

"I understood that there would be a knock on effect on the sugar industry in Britain and the rest of the EU as the market was opened up to less developed countries, so I made sure, along with other Euro MPs, that there would be payment to those involved in the industry as restructuring took place. That money is available.

"It is important that if British sugar moves out of York that the compensation and restructuring issue is dealt with quickly and fairly.

"I would expect the company has been prudent in preparing for accessing the financial package from the EU. If not, then questions need to be asked."