HC Deb 14 July 1931 vol 255 cc225-6
31. Mr. de ROTHSCHILD

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can state when it was decided to hold an inquiry into the sugar-beet industry; what length of time the investigations took; and what was the date originally proposed for publishing the result of these investigations?

Dr. ADDISON

The preparation of the report on the sugar-beet industry was commenced in June, 1929. The investigation was completed in April, 1931, and the report, which is of a most exhaustive character, was published last month. As I stated in this House in January, 1930, it was hoped that the report would be completed in June, 1930, but in order to supplement the available information both at home and abroad a larger number of inquiries were necessary than was originally anticipated.

Sir H. SAMUEL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the preparation of this report was entrusted to two representatives of the industry itself and one representative of the Ministry of Agriculture?

Dr. ADDISON

I understand that there were two authors—one a member of the staff of the Ministry and the other the secretary of the Association of Beet Sugar Companies.

Sir H. SAMUEL

Were they not also assisted in a consultative capacity by one of the directors of the sugar-beet companies?

Dr. ADDISON

I have not any information on that point, but, if they are to get the information, they must consult the companies.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is this why every member was sent a copy-free gratis?