HC Deb 21 November 1927 vol 210 cc1402-3
73. Sir A. HOLBROOK

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the desirability of encouraging the development of sugar refining within the Empire; whether he is aware that the British refining industry is being ruined by protected and subsidised foreign competition; that at present we depend upon foreign countries for three-fourths of our sugar supply; and what steps are being taken to raise the proportion of home-refined sugar?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

In reply to the first part of the question, a preferential rebate of Customs Duty has been given in favour of Empire sugar since 1919, and under the Finance Acts, 1925 and 1926, this was stabilised for 10 years at 4s. 3⅓d a cwt. I am aware that in recent years imports of foreign sugar passing directly into consumption have risen, while the output of British refineries has fallen; at the same time, imports are still less and the British refiners' output still greater than before the War. Of the total consumption of sugar in 1926 about three-fifths was of foreign origin, but a considerable part of this passed through British refineries. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for the Gorbals Division (Mr. Buchanan) on Thursday last, a copy of which I am sending him.

97. Mr. BUCHANAN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he has considered financial aid to the sugar refining trade in view of the conditions prevailing in the towns in which this trade operates; and, if so, what decision he has come to?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. A. M. Samuel)

I am afraid that I can at present add nothing to the reply on this subject given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member on the 17th November.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the results of the investigations which I understand the Chancellor of the Exchequer is making are likely to be known?

Mr. SAMUEL

I cannot give the date, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the matter is under very careful consideration.