59. Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Minister of Agriculture how much sugar not exceeding 90 degrees polarisation, commonly called raw sugar, has been produced and sent to British refineries by the beet-sugar factories since the passage of the Finance Act, 1928; and what has been the total cost to the Exchequer whether in extra subsidy paid, or in excise duty not received, since that date?
§ Sir J. GILMOURSince the passage of the Finance Act, 1928, approximately 460,000 tons of raw sugar (not exceeding 99 degrees polarisation) has been produced and sent to refineries by British sugar-beet factories. It is estimated that, compared with the subsidy and excise duty payments appropriate to an equivalent quantity of fully refined beet-sugar, the production of this raw sugar has involved increases in subsidy payments and decreases in revenue receipts representing in all a total approaching £500,000.
Captain CROOKSHANKIs my right bon. Friend aware that this very high cost is due to the fact that the ratio is wrong as between raw and white sugar?
§ 53. Colonel Sir JAMES REYNOLDS (for Mr. PURBRICK)asked the Minister of Agriculture in what countries the production of sugar either from beet or cane is neither subsidised nor protected; and what proportion of the world sugar is produced from such areas?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI regret that I am unable to supply this information.