§ 39. Captain P. MACDONALDasked the Minister of Agriculture what price it will be possible for the respective sugar-beet factories to pay farmers for sugar-beet in the forthcoming season, in consequence of the continuation of the additional assistance of 1s. 3d. per cwt. for the coming year?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe price which a beet-sugar factory can afford to pay for beets depends upon many and varying factors, one of which is the price realisable for the sugar when produced and marketed. The beet-sugar factories had offered contracts to growers before the announcement of the reduction in the Excise duty was made. Thirteen of the 17 factories that will operate in the coming season have contracted at firm prices of 40s. or 42s. per ton (15½ per cent. beets): the contracts of the remaining four factories are on a co-operative basis with a minimum price of 35s. per ton (15½ per cent. beets).
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSInstead of the word "co-operative" being used in the latter part of the reply, ought it not to be on a "gambling" basis?