§ 24. Mr. FIELDasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that a Grant of £125,000 has been given to enable sugar beet manufacture in England; whether he is aware that the beet grown in Ireland gives a greater yield of saccharine than in most other countries; and whether, under those circumstances, he will apply for monetary assistance to start the industry in Ireland?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)I understand that no Grant has been made as suggested, but that a sum of £125,000 has been lent from the Development Fund to the British Beet Growers' Society for the purchase of an estate and the establishment of the sugar beet industry as soon as circumstances permit. I believe the sugar beet grown on experimental plots in Ireland compares favourably in yield and quality with that grown in other countries. The Department of Agriculture have not applied for any Grant or loan for a sugar beet project; but they intend to keep in touch with the British Beet Growers' Society's work, as they have done with regard to previous similar projects.
§ 69. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Prime Minister whether this country at the outbreak of hostilities was practically dependent upon Germany and Austria for its supply of beet sugar; whether the British Dominions could with encouragement produce as much cane sugar as was previously imported by the enemies of the Empire; and what steps have been taken to encourage the developments of this potential supply in the interests of British consumers and Empire development?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Long)The United Kingdom undoubtedly drew a large portion of its supplies of sugar from Germany and Austria prior to the outbreak of war; how far the British Empire could produce 1577 all the sugar which it needs depends on various considerations, and not least on the capital available and the supply of labour in the localities where sugar can be grown. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the last question is at present surrounded by special difficulties which are now under discussion. I may add that steps are being taken in certain Colonies to increase the output of sugar by the erection of improved factories.
§ General CROFTIs it not a fact that if the Government in 1914 had encouraged these Protectorates to produce sugar there would have been no famine at the present moment? May I also ask whether any steps are being taken now to deal with this question on a large scale, so that there need not be any sugar famine next year?
§ General CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware with regard to the labour difficulty that labour is actually leaving the British Islands and going to Cuba and other United States possessions?
§ Mr. LONGMy hon. and gallant Friend knows what the difficulties are. It is not only the labour difficulty. The main difficulty is the question of tonnage.