§ 71. Mr. BUTLERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider a continuation of the beet-sugar subsidy on the same level as the last three years for at least one further year, since, owing to the coincidence of the fall in the price of sugar and the fall in the subsidy, the industry is faced with collapse?
§ Dr. ADDISONUnder the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, I have no power to pay subsidy after 30th September, 1931, at the same rate as at present, and I can hold out no hope that that Statute will be amended.
§ Mr. BUTLERDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this industry is vital to us in the arable districts of England and that the negotiations between the growers and the factories are in a critical condition? May I ask that he should give the matter very serious consideration?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am in quite close touch with what is going on and am anxious to do whatever I can to help.
§ Miss PICTON-TURBERVILLDoes my right hon. Friend accept the statement in the question that "the industry is faced with collapse"?
§ Dr. ADDISONNo, I do not.