HC Deb 17 June 1918 vol 107 cc12-3
21. Brigadier-General CROFT

asked how far the sugar factory has progressed in Nottinghamshire; and whether the Board of Agriculture is pushing on with the production of beet sugar?

Mr. PROTHERO

The arrangements for the erection of a sugar beet factory on the Kelham Estate, Notts, are in the hands of the British Sugar Beet Growers' Society, and the Board have been informed that plans for the factory are being obtained. The Estate Committee of Management appointed by the Board have arranged for the sowing of sufficient seed this year to be transplanted in 1919 for the production of seed that would sow 5,000 acres of beet in 1920.

General CROFT

Has the factory been actually commenced, and have the Board been able to give facilities for raising capital for the purpose?

Mr. PROTHERO

No, Sir; we have been unable to recommend the erection of the factory and of the necessary machinery during the War.

Mr. LOUGH

Has it been found possible to keep open the sugar-beet factory in Norfolk?

Mr. PROTHERO

The factory in Norfolk is closed owing, mainly, to the difficulty of getting seed from Holland, and possibly some difficulty in the way of machinery.

General CROFT

Are the Board cognisant of the importance of having the factory ready at the conclusion of the War—of not waiting till then?

Mr. PROTHERO

Yes, sir. I should very much like to have the factory ready. The difficulty is that as the amount of building and of machinery is very considerable that at present we cannot make the necessary demand for priority.

General CROFT

Was not the same reply—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member has had his full share of supplementary questions.