§ 42. Mr. H. STEWARTasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the attitude of the Government towards the establishment by the co-operative societies of beet-sugar factories; and if the new proposals of the Government for 1935 are in fact likely to raise the price of sugar to the consumer?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)Since 1924, when the beet-sugar industry was first assisted by Exchequer subsidy there has been no limitation on the erection of beet-sugar 942 factories in this country. As regards the 1935–36 season, the further interim measure of assistance which Parliament will be asked to provide will be designed to secure the existing position, pending the consideration by the Government of the report of the Committee of Inquiry under the chairmanship of Mr. Wilfrid Greene, K.C. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. STEWARTIs my right hon. Friend aware that statements are being made in Scotland to the effect that the Government are deliberately preventing co-operative societies, because they are co-operative societies, from engaging in home beet-sugar production, and that it is the deliberate intention of the Government to raise the price of sugar? Can my right hon. Friend give a direct denial to both these charges?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI have given a direct denial to the second. As to the first part of the supplementary question, I am more than delighted to hear that the cooperative societies have changed their attitude and are now in favour of promoting beet-sugar production.