§ 10. Mr. ANDERSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether, of the 1,600,000 tons of beet sugar imported from Europe before the War, 1,200,000 tons came from Germany and Austria; whether France has 11 209 beet factories, Russia 294 beet factories, Germany 341 beet factories, and Britain only one factory in a half-moribund condition; whether he is now in a position to announce any policy with regard to the cultivation of sugar beet as a new industry; whether he would be prepared to consider the question of establishing experimental farms and factories; and whether the Development Fund would be available for this purpose?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Acland)The figures quoted by my hon. Friend are approximately correct. The question of the policy of establishing sugar beet factories by State assistance is one not for the Board of Agriculture alone, but it appears doubtful whether the extra output of sugar that might be expected during the period of War would justify large expenditure as an emergency measure; and the times are hardly favourable for large expenditure of capital on buildings and machinery, whether through the Development Commission or otherwise, for any object not immediately connected with the War. The matter is, however, under the close attention of the President of the Board.