HC Deb 09 March 1937 vol 321 c968
43. Mr. H. G. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how the internal price of raw sugar in South Africa and Australia compares with the world price of that product; and what is the estimated cost to consumers in these Dominions of maintaining their sugar production at its present level?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I am informed that the wholesale price paid for raw sugar consumed within the Commonwealth of Australia is approximately £19 per ton and that the price in the Union of South Africa is slightly under £15 per short ton. The latest figure of the world price for raw sugar is 6 12s. 6d. per ton. As regards the latter part of the hon. Member's question, no reliable estimate is available.

Mr. Williams

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain the statement of one of his colleagues the other day that there was no subsidy having regard to these figures?

Mr. MacDonald

There is no direct subsidy; I do not want to quarrel with the hon. Member about words. Certainly the arrangement is of considerable assistance to producers.