HC Deb 26 October 1926 vol 199 cc685-6
Mr. W. THORNE

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, in consequence of the subsidising of the home-grown beet sugar industry by the Government, two large sugar factories are to be closed down this week, which will result in 2,600 men being directly put out of employment; and whether he will take any action in the matter?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

The answer to the first part is in the negative. The second part does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. THORNE

Is the Minister aware that, in consequence of the 19s. 6d. Government subsidy plus the preference of 3s. 6d. and the 3s. 9d. on molasses, the value of the article is raised 150 per cent. and does he think it possible to compete under such circumstances?

Mr. GUINNESS

That is an entirely different question. I was asked whether as a matter of fact two factories were being closed down, but I have no information on the subject.

Mr. THORNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether my statements are true or otherwise, because one of the factories is in Silvertown, which is part and parcel of the Borough of West Ham?

Mr. GUINNESS

I was asked if two factories were being closed down, and I shall be glad to receive any information that the hon. Member can send me. If it prove to be the case, I should find it difficult to attribute it to the cause he has suggested, seeing that the total output of British sugar put upon the market last year was just over 50,000 tons and the total annual consumption is estimated at 1,700,000 tons.

Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFT rose

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HON. MEMBERS

Thorne!

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. W. Thorne) has given way.

Sir H. CROFT

Is it not a fact that, owing to the policy that is now in force, some 40,000 additional men are finding employment, and was not the policy, broadly speaking, supported by the late Government, represented by the present Opposition?

Mr. THORNE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries and write to Sir Leonard Lyle, who is the chief managing director of the two firms in question, and then he will get all the information he wants?