HC Deb 02 March 1937 vol 321 c157
19. Mr. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to what extent South Africa and Australia subsidise the production of sugar; and what is the present approximate cost of this assistance per ton of sugar produced in each case?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I am informed that no subsidies are paid in respect of the production of sugar in the Commonwealth of Australia or the Union of South Africa. There is, in fact, an excise duty of £ 1 per ton on all manufactured sugar retained for consumption in the Union. As I said in answer to a question by the hon. Member on 23rd February, there is a system in each of these Dominions by which the internal price of sugar is maintained at a fixed level. I understand that the level in the case of Australia is approximately £13 sterling for raw sugar per ton and in the case of the Union of South Africa approximately £12 10s. per ton.

Lieut.-Colonel Sandeman Allen

Have not the various States, apart from the Commonwealth, got schemes for subsidising sugar?

Mr. MacDonald

The answer I have given covers all the States, but in fact there is only one State which has any very great interest in sugar; and that is Queensland. Practically no sugar is produced outside that State.

Mr. H. G. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the internal price compares with the world price?

Mr. MacDonald

I should like to have notice of that question.

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