The conflict between small planters and the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate (MSS) is more than ever of topical interest. British refinery Tate & Lyle, which finds itself in the middle of the controversy, has given its version recently and seems to support the version the MSS right. ?The difference between shipped and landed weights is normal and is recognised internationally in the shipment of sugar. (?) The Mauritius Sugar Syndicate appoints for each cargo a professional supervisor whose responsibility is to ensure that all sugar shipped is fully discharged and correctly weighed,? explains the public relations manager of the British company, Ferne Hudson.

The whole problem lies in the fact that the planters say that the difference between the amount of sugar from Mauritius and the one when it reaches Great Britain is far too important and that there must be a fraud. The statement by Tate & Lyle agrees with the communiqué issued by the MSS stating that ?these differences are between 0.225% and 0.282% which are absolutely not exceptional.?

But nothing seems to be solved yet as each party keeps its own stand. One of the resigning planters has quoted the statement of the MSS Chartering Committee of March 2000 where former director Michel Hardy had stated that the losses of 0.306% in London were too important. ?The limit is of 0.2%.?

Meanwhile, the planters have asked for a commission of enquiry and have submitted the case to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) while the MSS is suing the planters in view of the bad reputation these accusations have caused it.

Small planters also accuse the management for contracts signed with local companies, advertising campaigns and the wage policy. The ICAC will have a lot of its plate to see if all the accusations are justified or not?