HC Deb 04 May 1931 vol 252 cc20-1
38. Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take into consideration the advisability of taking powers to stipulate as a condition of any future subsidy given to the Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation and other such companies that when ordering jute bags both cloth and bags must be manufactured in this country?

Dr. ADDISON

Legislation would be necessary to give effect to my hon. Friend's suggestion, but as he is aware, the Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation has arranged for all their supplies of jute bags for the coming sugar campaign to be manufactured in this country.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the names of the firms who have received the orders?

Dr. ADDISON

I shall require notice of that question.

Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMAN

Would not this have been legislation that would have been certain to bring work to the people of this country?

Dr. ADDISON

No legislation is required as the company has already given the order.

46. Captain P. MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the continued refusal of the Anglo-Dutch group of beet-sugar factory owners to offer suitable terms to growers, he proposes to take any steps to assist the growers principally affected by this refusal in disposing of their crops?

Dr. ADDISON

There are no means whereby special assistance can be given to growers who contract with factories that have declined the special advance offered by the Government?

Captain MACDONALD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many farmers are involved in great loss through the activities of this company, and will he take some steps in the matter?

Dr. ADDISON

I am aware of the facts, and I have done everything I can to induce this company to make the same offer to growers as other companies. I wish I could induce them to do so.