HC Deb 24 January 1918 vol 101 c1122
31. Sir ARTHUR FELL

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), if he has provided sugar-beet seed for growth in suitable counties of Ireland to enable syrup to be made by small holders to alleviate in some degree the shortage of sugar?

Mr. DUKE

No, Sir. The Department of Agriculture are of opinion that the proposition is not practicable. Attempts to substitute beet syrup for sugar in jam-making have, I believe, not been attended with success. I am told, also, that it would be difficult to secure a quantity of beet seed of the kind required.

Sir A. FELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman conferred with the Minister of Agriculture in England on this matter?

Mr. DUKE

I am not sure. If my hon. Friend will repeat the question later, I will have inquiries made.

Sir P. MAGNUS

Which counties of Ireland are suitable for sugar-beet?

Mr. DUKE

I could not say offhand.