§ 61. Mr. LEONARDasked the Minister of Agriculture when he proposes to make a statement with regard to the future of the sugar industry, having regard to the announcement in the House of Commons on the 27th July last?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe present position is as follows: A draft scheme for regulating the marketing of sugar in Great Britain under the Agricultural Marketing Acts has now been submitted to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself on behalf of the General Committee of the United Kingdom Sugar Industry, and I understand that beet growers have in course of preparation a scheme for the marketing of sugar beet. As I informed my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Captain Heilgers) on 1st February, the legislation referred to in my answer of 27th July last will, I hope, be introduced at an early date. An announcement regarding the appointment of the proposed committee of inquiry will, I hope, be made fairly soon.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSMay we expect to have the Bill before Easter?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid I can give no assurance as to time.