HC Deb 04 July 1935 vol 303 cc1997-8
34. Mr. LEONARD

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the representatives of the beet-sugar industry were informed in 1930 or 1931, on behalf of the Treasury, that the beet-sugar subsidy would have to be brought to an end as soon as possible, and whether he will take this fact into consideration in forming his future policy?

Mr. ELLIOT

I am not aware of the communication to which the hon. Member refers, but he can rest assured that all relevant considerations will be taken into account before a decision is reached on future policy in relation to the beet-sugar industry.

Mr. LEONARD

If I make representations to the right hon. Gentleman in furtherance of the details in the question, will he go into the matter?

Mr. ELLIOT

I shall be very glad to examine anything the hon. Member sends me, but I think, so long as there is no public statement on the matter, We must treat it with a certain amount of reserve.

Mr. LOUIS SMITH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it would be quite impossible in 1930 to forecast the very heavy depreciation in the value of sugar in this country and that the great majority of those interested in the industry are of opinion that it is better to protect the industry by way of duty rather than by subsidy?

52. Mr. MALLALIEU

asked the President of the Board of Trade what answer he has returned to the representations recently made to his Department by the Shipowners' (Parliamentary Committee, urging that His Majesty's Government discontinue its assistance to the beet-sugar industry on the grounds, inter alia, that such assistance would stultify the broad lines of policy placed by His Majesty's Government before the World Monetary and Economic Conference and injure British shipping and hinder the restoration of world trade?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

In so far as the Shipowners' Parliamentary Committee are able to adduce any new facts they were informed that their representations would have consideration.

Mr. MALLALIEU

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his views on this question of financial aid to this industry have undergone any change since he joined the Ministry?

Forward to