§ 17. Mr. GINNELLasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what is the estimated average value per acre of the auxiliary uses of the sugar-beet crop in addition to the main purpose of producing sugar; what is the estimated average value per acre of suitable land in Ireland of the yield of sugar at the present price; in which of the Irish counties is there most land suitable for the growth of this crop; what area in each of those counties is being prepared for this crop this year; whether the Department is providing for those willing to grow the crop the best seeds, artificial manures, and expert advice; what progress it has made towards obtaining from the Treasury adequate money for the erection of sugar factories; and what places have been provisionally selected for their erection?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)The estimated average value per acre for cattle-feeding purposes of the leaves and tops of sugar beet and of the fresh wet slices delivered on the farm is about one-fifth that of a turnip crop. The estimated cost to the consumer at current retail prices of the sugar producible from 1 acre of sugar beet is about £100. The medium or heavy loam soils of Ireland, where sufficiently deep, are suitable for the growth of sugar beet. So far as the Department of Agriculture are aware, no land is being prepared for beet crop in Ireland this year. The question of the provision of seed, manures and expert advice does not at present arise, as farmers are unwilling to grow the crop unless assured of a market at a factory for the roots grown. No application has been made for a Grant for the erection of beet-sugar factories, nor have 1499 any sites been provisionally selected. As to the conditions under which a beet sugar factory could be established on economical lines, I would refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South Sligo on the 19th March.
§ Mr. GINNELLAre we to understand from that answer that the Department has done nothing whatever towards introducing sugar - beet culture into England?
§ Mr. DUKEIf the hon. Gentleman will read the answer when it appears he will see that it does not state anything of the kind.
§ Mr. GINNELLIt amounts to that.