§ 28. Mr. De CHAIRasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in the 1937 sugar-beet contract Norfolk growers are to receive less than growers elsewhere; and whether, since this is an unfair discrimination against Norfolk growers, for whom the subsidy was primarily introduced and for whom a remunerative sugar-beet crop has become a vital necessity, he will consider taking steps to amend the present Act in such a way as to restrict the powers of the Sugar Commission where contract prices seriously affecting the prospects of recovery in agriculture are concerned?
§ Mr. W. S. MORRISONI am aware that, in their award on the terms of the 1937 sugar beet contract, the Sugar Commission have continued the principle adopted in previous years of differential prices designed to secure an adequate throughput of beet in the factories. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. De CHAIRIs my right hon. Friend aware that sugar beet is an absolute necessity in Norfolk, and that it is precisely because the factories know 827 that the farmers cannot do without it that they have declined to pay an enhanced bonus?
§ Mr. MORRISONI am aware that the principle of differentiation exists in order to secure an adequate throughput of beet, and I must adhere to the terms of my original answer on this matter.