§ 56. Mr. W. B. TAYLORasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the present deadlock between factories and growers of sugar beet in relation to future contracts, he will make representations to the factories to retain present prices to the growers in view of the profits already revealed in recent financial returns of the factories concerned?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have no information that a deadlock has arisen in the negotiations between the factories and the growers. It has always been the policy of my Department to refrain from intervention in these negotiations, and I scarcely think that the course suggested by my hon. Friend would be practicable, in view of the principles on which the negotiations are based.
§ Mr. TAYLORWill the right hon. Gentleman watch this position very closely, because it is remarkably important to the arable areas of East Anglia that a fair price should be supplied, because, if this industry "goes west," I do not know what will happen to the whole industry?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy hon. Friend has quite expressed my view, but, as things stand, I do not think I can usefully interfere in these negotiations.
§ Mr. de ROTHSCHILDWill the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing as soon as possible the result of his departmental inquiry into the industry; and, if he cannot publish it now, will he at least give to the National Farmers' Union the benefit of the information he has so far gathered, in order to enable hem to negotiate?
§ Dr. ADDISONYes, I will consider that suggestion.