§ 21. Sir GIFFORD FOXasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the growing anxiety of those farmers who cultivate sugar beet as to the prospects of the industry when the Sugar Beet Subsidy Act expires at the end of next year; and what steps he is taking to ensure that farmers will be advised of the future policy in this connection at the earliest possible opportunity?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)I recognise the desirability of determining future policy in regard to the sugar-beet industry as soon as possible. The hon. Baronet will appreciate that important questions are involved, but I can assure him that there will be no avoidable delay.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSWhen dealing with this matter, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman give full consideration to a duty and no excise instead of a subsidy?
§ 54. Sir G. FOXasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can now state when the committee of inquiry into the sugar-beet industry referred to in his Budget speech is to be set up?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHANo, Sir. The matter is under consideration, but my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a definite statement.