§ 44. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture how many sugar-beet producers there were in each of the past two seasons in Wiltshire, Somerset, Hampshire, and Berkshire, respectively; what was their total production; and what steps are in contemplation to enable this production to be continued with profit to the producers?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs the information desired by the hon. Member is somewhat detailed, I will, with his permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. HURDCan the right hon. Gentleman answer the last clause of the question, what steps are in contemplation to enable this production to be continued with profit to the producers?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe answer to that is the recent arrangement that helped the growers to obtain a price, which has been very effective.
§ Mr. HURDIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that that shuts out entirely beet growers in very large sections of the country which are remote from factories?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe arrangement was the best that could be devised for the factories and the growers.
§ Following is the information:
§ I am unable to state the number of beet growers in the counties named in 1929 and 1930, The acreage and production of sugar beet were, however, as follow:
797§ In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the announcement made by the Prime Minister on the 12th February last, to which I am unable to make any addition.
§ 56. Captain BOURNE(for Captain P. MACDONALD) asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is yet in a position to state in what districts the Anglo-Dutch group has entered into contracts with sugar-beet growers; and how these contracts affect growers outside the factory areas?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am not in possession of information to enable me to answer this question.