HC Deb 04 July 1933 vol 280 cc166-7
37. Mr. GRAHAM WHITE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now in a position to make a statement of Government policy with regard to the sugar-beet industry?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

Arrangements have been made for an expert investigation into the financial aspects of the proposals which have been submitted by the representatives of the 'United Kingdom sugar industry. This will not be completed for some little time, Mean-while, as the hon. Member will have observed, the question of international action to co-ordinate the production and marketing of sugar has been raised at the Monetary and Economic Conference and I take this opportunity to inform the House that the Government has intimated that, provided that satisfactory co-operation is forthcoming from al1 the principal sugar-producing countries, the Government is willing to limit the production of sugar in the United Kingdom to a reasonable quantity, it being understood that limitation does not mean reduction.

Mr. de ROTHSCHILD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in order to grow sugar-beet in this country, early preparations are necessary with regard to acreage and seed; and will the Government give growers some indication at the present time of the amount of sugar-beet which will be allowed to be grown next year in order that they may be able to make their preparations?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, an announcement will be made as soon as it is practicable.

Mr. WHITE

Can the hon. Gentleman say to what body the duty of making the financial investigations will be delegated?

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I will, with pleasure, let my hon. Friend know.

Captain HEILGERS

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that farmers have to crop for a year ahead and must know, in planning for a year ahead, what is to be the future of sugar-beet by September of this year?

Mr. HORE-RELISHA

That question was asked by my bon. Friend the Member for the Isle of Ely (Mr. de Rothschild), and I answered it to the best of my ability.,

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

Will my hon. Friend, when considering this question, also consider the advisability of a direct tariff in lieu of the subsidy, which has been very expensive?