HC Deb 02 March 1927 vol 203 cc378-9
51 and 53. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) the total amount of subsidy received by sugar-beet factories in the manufacturing season 1926–27; the total number of persons employed in these factories; and the length of the manufacturing season;

(2)the total amount of subsidy received by sugar-beet factories in the manufacturing season 1925–26; the number of persons employed in these factories; and the length of the manufacturing season?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

The total amount of subsidy on sugar and molasses received by the British beet sugar factories in the manufacturing season 1925–26 was £1,124,207, and in the season 1926–27 up to 28th February, 1927, was £3,041,083. The number of persons employed in the factories in the 1925–26 season was 4,613, and in the past season 7,194. The length of the manufacturing season is, approximately, 100 days.

Mr. THURTLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, that works out at nearly £500 per man?

52. Mr. THURTLE

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the effluent from sugar-beet factories is polluting many streams in the eastern counties; and if he can state what action he is taking to deal with this evil?

Mr. GUINNESS

I am aware of the pollution which has been caused by beet sugar factories in the eastern counties and elsewhere, and at my instigation the manufacturers appointed an expert to visit all the factories, to report upon the arrangements for disposal of effluents, and to indicate the lines of investigation along which it may be hoped that adequate methods of treatment may be discovered. I understand that he is at present engaged upon his report. In the meantime, arrangements have been made with the Department of Scientific and industrial Research for certain investigations to be set on foot at the Rothamsted Experimental Station, by means of which it is hoped that the solution of some of the fundamental problems underlying the difficult question of the treatment of beet sugar effluents may be advanced.

Sir F. WISE

May I ask whether the River Lark is polluted?

Mr. GUINNESS

Yes, I am afraid it is.