HC Deb 20 January 1931 vol 247 c21
34. Mr. LOUIS SMITH

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can now make any statement as to the financial basis of co-operation between the sugar-beet factories and the sugar-beet producers for the coming season, and the outlook for next season in respect of acreage allotted for sugar-beet?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Dr. Addison)

On my suggestion, factories and growers are again in contact, but as no terms have yet been agreed between them I am not in a position to make any forecast as to the acreage likely to be sown to beet this year.

Mr. SMITH

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how much financial assistance would be required to bridge the gap between the offers of the Factories and the Farmers' Union?

Dr. ADDISON

I could not in any case give that information. The gap has not yet been defined.