HC Deb 10 April 1922 vol 153 cc38-9
70. Sir A. FELL

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many men were employed during the winter season at the beet-sugar factories at Kelham and Cantley; and how many labourers were employed by the farmers growing beet for the factories?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

From 800 to 900 men were employed during the winter season at the beet-sugar factories mentioned. As regards the second part of the question, no exact figures are available, but it is estimated that some 800 additional labourers were employed by farmers growing sugar-beet during 1921.

Mr. WISE

Is it a fact that the factory only works for three months in a year?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

It works for a short time in the winter months, which, however, is just the time when there is least employment in country districts.

Mr. G. ROBERTS

Is it not a fact that the factory works 24 hours a day and seven days a week during the season, and that if you take that into account the work of the factory approximates to that of ordinary factories?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

That is so. The sugar factory has to work continuously. Therefore, the amount of labour employed cannot be judged by the actual length of time during which the factory is at work.

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