§ 79. Mr. L. SMITHasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has any information as to whether either of the alternative offers made by the two groups of sugar-beet factories has been accepted by the National Farmers' Union on behalf of the farmers?
§ Dr. ADDISONSo far as I am aware neither of the offers referred to has been accepted.
§ Mr. SMITHMay I ask whether the Government propose to take any action by way of mediation in this matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am in consultation with the parties.
§ Mr. WISEMay I ask whether in any proposals that they may make the Government will take into consideration the large profits made by farmers as a consequence of the subsidy which was given in past years?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEAs this matter is one of extreme urgency, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will be able to give us a definite reply one day next week?
§ Dr. ADDISONI can assure the hon. and gallant Member that we are doing everything we can in this matter. We have in mind the seriousness of the position.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on account of the dissatisfaction in the sugar-beet industry many farmers have had to turn men away because they are unable to arrange their crops for the coming year?
§ Dr. ADDISONI cannot acept that as a statement of fact. The fact is that the two parties are not able to come to an agreement. That is their affair, not mine.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEDo not the Government accept some responsibility in this matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONI did not say that at all. I am not responsible for the failure. Up to the present we are doing everything we can to help in this matter, and these questions do not help.