HC Deb 14 March 1932 vol 263 c15
32. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Agriculture what approximate percentage of the capital of the beet-sugar factories established under the British Beet Sugar Subsidy Act is held by foreign interests; and what is the aggregate sum paid out in dividends to this section of beet-sugar factory shareholders since the inception of the subsidy scheme?

33. Commander MARSDEN

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the total capitalisation of all the beet-sugar factories in Great Britain; what percentage of this capital is estimated to be held by foreigners; and whether he has any figures to show the amount that has been paid out in dividends to such foreign shareholders since the inception of the subsidy scheme?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)

The total capitalisation of British beet-sugar factories is £7,243,468 of which I understand about 20 per cent. is held by other than British nationals. The dividends paid to foreign shareholders since the beginning of the subsidy period amount to about £950,000 net.

34. Mr. PURBRICK

asked the Minister of Agriculture what were the average manufacturing costs per ton for producing raw and white sugar, respectively, from sugar-beet during the last season for which figures are available; and how these compare with the manufacturing costs for producing sugar from cane in Cuba, Queensland, Natal, Mauritius, and Jamaica?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I regret that I am not in a position to supply my hon. Friend with the information desired.