§ 29. Mr. LOUIS SMITHasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to meet the representatives of growers and factories engaged in the sugar-beet industry with the object of increasing the acreage of beet to be grown next season?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo such meeting has been suggested to rue by those concerned, and while I am always willing to meet representatives of any branch of agriculture, I consider that sugar-beet price negotiations should be conducted by representatives of producers and factories without my intervention.
§ Mr. SMITHHaving regard to the serious falling off in acreage under beet cultivation last year, due in part to delay in obtaining a settlement, will the right hon. Gentleman initiate such a meeting, so that contracts may be entered into without delay?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have no reason to suppose that a meeting will not take place between the interested parties.