§ 33. Mr. LIVINGSTONEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether farmers who grow sugar beet have been given any opportunity to take a financial interest in the companies proposed to be formed under the subsidy scheme?
Mr. WOODI understand that the capital for the building of new factories in course of erection has been secured from sources other than the growers of sugar beet, as appeals in the past in this direction have been unsuccessful. I am, 929 however, informed that some of the new factory companies do contemplate giving individual growers, who so desire, the opportunity of taking up shares, of which in one case farmers have already taken advantage.
§ 34. Mr. LIVINGSTONEasked the Minister of Agriculture what are the profits for the year disclosed in the last balance-sheet issued by the Cantley beet-sugar factory; and how much this company paid during the same period to farmers for sugar beet?
Mr. WOODThe last balance-sheet issued by the Cantley Beet Sugar Factery, dated the 11th October, 1923, showed a net profit of £103,081 14s. 11d. During the manufacturing season 1922–23, covered by this account, the average price paid to growers for their beets by the factory company was 35s. 11 d. per ton.
§ Mr. A. V. ALEXANDERHas not the right hon. Gentleman yet received the balance-sheet of this company for last year?
§ 35. Mr. HARRISasked the Minister of Agriculture how many acres were planted with sugar-beet during 1924; and how much seed was supplied to farmers by the beet-sugar producers during the same period?
Mr. WOOD22,637 acres were planted with sugar-beet in Great Britain, and approximately 150 tons of seed were supplied to farmers by beet-sugar producers in 1924. I would add that all beet delivered to the factories is grown from seed which the factories have provided.