§ 59. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the proposed remission of Excise Duty on beet sugar will apply to all beet sugar grown and manufactured in this country; and whether he is aware that, with regard to one of the two beet sugar manufactories now operating in England, which, having been in existence for over 10 years must be regarded as no longer in the experimental stage, the controlling interest and management is in the hands of Dutch capitalists?
§ Major BARNSTON (for Sir A. Boscawen)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, the factory referred to, that at Cantley, is still in its experimental stage. It was built in 1912, was closed during the War, and reopened in 1920. I understand that negotiations are now in progress for the amalgamation of the two factories under British control.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNHas the House of Commons ever sanctioned this new measure of protection?
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the sugar duty was intended to be a revenue duty, and was never intended to be a protective tariff, and will he represent to the Minister that at any rate any reduction that can be made in the sugar duty should be spread over all kinds of sugar?
§ Major BARNSTONI will represent both points to my right hon. Friend.
§ Captain BENNWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an answer to my question as to whether the authority of this House has been sought and obtained for this measure of protection?
§ Major BARNSTONMy hon. and gallant Friend knows that as well as I do.
§ 75. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that the proposed remission of Excise Duty on home-grown sugar would amount to a preference of £21 per ton in favour of English beet as against Colonial cane as the duties now stand and that the Budget statement has been anticipated as regards the Sugar Excise Duties, he can now make any statement as to assisting the Colonial cane-sugar industry by a reduction in the Customs duties or otherwise?
Mr. YOUNGThe special circumstances which rendered necessary an immediate announcement on the subject of the Excise duty on sugar have already been indicated by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, and I am unable to anticipate the Budget statement in other respects.
§ Captain BENNHas the Cabinet sanctioned this new protective measure, and is it competent, for the Government to remit taxation without the consent of the House of Commons?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt was stated quite clearly the other day—and I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman himself knows the procedure of the House—that the Government can only propose. It is for the House to decide a matter of this kind.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill the Minister take into consideration that unless some step is taken to protect West Indian sugar, the West Indies will be again reduced to destitution, and the whole machinery of the trade will be destroyed owing to American operations in Cuba?
§ Mr. G. ROBERTSWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the main consideration is the employment of British labour?
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKWill the hon. Gentleman remember the condition of British agriculture first?
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in setting this precedent he is bolstering up an over capitalised and extravagantly run industry?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is a matter for Debate.