HC Deb 05 February 1931 vol 247 c2118
93. Major CARVER

asked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the effect upon agriculture in the urban district of Selby by the failure of the sugar-beet factories and the beet-sugar growers to reach a settlement; and whether he can now make any statement as to the assistance which the Government feels able to give to the industry?

94. Mr. GRANVILLE

asked the Minister of Agriculture if it is his intention to get into touch with the representatives of the sugar-beet industry with a view to discussing the question of the continuation of the industry?

Dr. ADDISON

I shall be glad if the hon. Members will be good enough to postpone their questions for a few days, as I hope to be in a position to make a statement early next week.

95. Sir F. HALL

asked the Minister of Agriculture what were the numbers of persons employed in the beet-sugar manufacturing industry on 31st December, 1928, 1929, and 1930, respectively?

Dr. ADDISON

The average number of persons employed in the beet-sugar factories in the past three manufacturing seasons has been: 1928–29, 8,172; 1929–30, 8,854; 1930–31, 9,900. My Department has not the figures for 31st December in each of the three years mentioned.