§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Secretary to the Treasury, whether he has received an application from the National Sugar Beet Council for a grant out of the Development Fund for the purpose of conducting experiments in the cultivation of sugar beet over areas of not less than ten acres with a view of demonstrating the potentialities of the crop as a source of profit to land cultivators in Great Britain; whether such application has the sympathy of the Treasury; and whether it has been forwarded to the Development Commissioners?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSEAn application has been received, and, as required by Section (4) of the Act, has been forwarded by the Treasury to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries as the Government Department concerned. Until the Development Commissioners have considered the views of that Department and have reported upon the application, the Treasury have no further function in the matter.
Mr. WILLIAM REDMONDMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, in connection with this matter, to also bear in mind the case of Ireland?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he does not consider that the best way of encouraging this industry would be to get an assurance that British-grown sugar shall not be subject to an Excise Duty?
§ Mr. HOBHOUSENo, Sir, I do not think that.