Xpage (xml) Styled Content 81.xml This text is in native XML styled by a stylesheet. XML pages ('xpages') can have their structure defined by a DTD (Data Type Description). image_files/flasher.gif 81.xml UK industry looks to government to help ensure an environment which encourages growth, investment and fair competition. Our markets are increasingly global, but so is the competition. Within the European Union, where the single market has created opportunities for our businesses, the UK food industry still encounters barriers to trade. Chocolate is a prime example, as our UK recipe is still not able to circulate freely across the EU market. We have manufactured quality Dairy Milk chocolate for almost 100 years, and have welcomed the Government's support to ensure that this traditional British recipe does not suffer from derogatory labelling under the EU Chocolate Directive. image_files/flasher.gif 81.xml A broader concern for food manufacturers and consumers alike is the effect of the Common Agricultural Policy on food prices across Europe. The CAP price of raw materials is significantly higher than world market rates, thus forcing up the prices of most foods of particular relevance to us. Sugar and dairy prices for example are artificially high with quotas holding back a British industry capable of reaching self-sufficiency. Moreover, with CAP raw material prices at a premium, exporters can only remain competitive in global markets if they continue to be compensated in the form of export refunds. In the lead up to the WTO round, the decision to reduce export refunds on raw materials, including milk, sugar and cereals, by up to a third from Autumn 2000 unfairly targets the European confectionery industry, and will seriously threaten international competitiveness. Sugar in particular is currently priced at well over world market prices, and for the industry to remain competitive, we must cont inue to press for reform as we seek to offset the impact of reduced export refunds. image_files/flasher.gif 81.xml Ensuring our continued competitiveness is vital. That is why we have also been discussing the future format of the proposed Climate Change Levy. Cadbury Schweppes is committed to our responsibilities in the wider environment - we published our first Environment Report in Winter 1998/99 and are working to continually improve the environmental performance of our operations. The impact of the Levy could be extremely detrimental to our UK position as well as in overseas markets with major implications for competitiveness and employment. Recent changes resulting from closer consultation with the Government are welcome, but we look for continued support in negotiating industry-wide agreements. image_files/flasher.gif 81.xml We welcome the creation of the Food Standards Agency as a means of addressing the best interests of both the consumer and the manufacturer alike. Our business depends on the confidence and satisfaction of consumers, and the Agency has great potential to promote effective communication on food safety. We share the Government's view that the decisions of the Agency must be made with the best possible scientific advice, although we have had reservations about extending its remit to the broader considerations of public health, nutrition and lifestyle and will continue to work with the Agency to ensure the right balance. image_files/flasher.gif 81.xml We aim to ensure that we provide a positive working environment, and have a long heritage of employee care and consultation. For generations we have had strong relations with trade unions in the workplace. Whilst the application of new technologies and flexibility in work organisation have led to structural changes in employment, investing in people remains central to the way we run our business and will continue to be so. We are an 'Investor In People, company and strive to unleash the talents of all within the organisation. image_files/flasher.gif 81.xml We are proud today of our investment in the local and national community and our corporate community investment strategy is focused around the three key areas of education and enterprise, health and welfare and the environment. Corporate giving is not only channelled through the Cadbury Schweppes Foundation; our businesses and their employees across the country also seek to actively contribute to the communities in which we operate through locally targeted programmes aimed at improving the environment in which people live and work. image_files/flasher.gif 81.xml Built on this foundation of secure values, a durable heritage of consumer loyalty, strong brands and outstanding people, we look forward to the challenge of the new millennium. We look forward to working with parliamentarians and officials on the many issues of interest to our businesses in this country, in the EU and elsewhere, as we seek to create value in each and every area in which we work. image_files/flasher.gif Author: Oliver Bromley, March 2001