HC Deb 17 February 1837 vol 36 cc635-6
An hon. Member

wished to learn from the right hon. Gentleman at the head of the Board of Trade, whether it were true that any obstruction had been thrown in the way of manufacturing sugar from beetroot by the Government.

Mr. Poulett Thomson

said, that it had been reported to him some time ago, that preparations were making in this country for the manufacture, on an extensive scale, of sugar from beetroot. He at once called the attention of the Boards of Excise and Customs to the circumstance, stating, at the same time, that the Government would introduce a Bill on the subject in the course of this Session, not for the purpose of checking the manufacture, but to prevent its being carried on without paying any duty at all, while other sugar was burthened with a duty of 24s. A Bill of that nature was now under the consideration of Government, and would be introduced as soon as possible.