HC Deb 13 March 1918 vol 104 cc298-9
27. General CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Board has endeavoured to obtain good pedigree beet seed from the United States of America, and if any steps have been taken to secure the assistance of Denmark or France in this connection?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Prothero)

Efforts are being made to secure a certain quantity of high-class beet seed required for the projected sugar beet enterprise in Notts from the United States and various countries in Europe. It is not yet certain whether delivery will be secured; mean time, however, a sufficient quantity of seed at present available in this country will be sown in order to secure stocks for the future.

28. General CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has considered that sugar syrup for making jam can easily be procured from beetroot without any elaborate factories or machinery; and whether anything has been done to encourage the growth of sugar beet for this purpose?

Mr. PROTHERO

I am advised that it is doubtful whether a satisfactory syrup for jam making can be procured from beet by ordinary domestic processes, and, in fuller reply to this point and to the remainder of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth on the 6th February last.

General CROFT

Is it not the fact that although this process is not an easy one, it has been proved by private individuals that a great deal of advantage can be obtaned by the ordinary individual who grows it by the use of it as sweets and other forms of food?

Mr. PROTHERO

The question is a chemical one, and I am sorry to say I do not feel very competent to give an opinion on it, but apparently in the process there is a certain quantity of salt, which is said to be deleterious to consumption.

General CROFT

Is the right Gentleman not aware that the root itself can be used as fruit might be used, and would be a very valuable help to the people?

Mr. PROTHERO

I think that is so.