HC Deb 16 April 1931 vol 251 cc347-8
53. Mr. LOUIS SMITH

asked the Minister of Agriculture the total acreage of sugar-beet which has been contracted for, up to the latest date available, for the coming season; and how many of the total number of factories will operate during the winter of 1931?

Dr. ADDISON

The total acreage of sugar-beet contracted for 1931 to date is 228,600 acres. I am informed that all 18 beet-sugar factories which worked last campaign will probably also work during the coming season.

Mr. SMITH

Is this serious decrease in the number of acres grown this year in the areas which supply the factories belonging to the Anglo-Dutch group?

Dr. ADDISON

I could not give particulars without notice, but I think a large part of the decline is in these areas.