§ 54. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Minister of Agriculture the total amount of subsidies paid to the beet-sugar industry up to the end of 1936; the average annual cost to the State since the subsidy began; and the number of workmen employed in the industry?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe total amount of Exchequer subsidy that has been paid to the beet-sugar industry in Great Britain under the provisions of the British Sugar (Subsidy) Act, 1925, and subsequent legislation is £39,576,173. The annual subsidy payment averaged approximately £3,045,000 between 1924 and 1936, and in the current year is estimated to be £2,576,000. The number of workers permanently employed in the factories is about 2,250. During the manufacturing campaign approximately 7,200 additional workers are employed. It is estimated that the amount of agricultural labour required for the 1936 crop represented about 25,000 man-years.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsCan the right hon. Gentleman give the figure for the remissions of Excise during the same period?
§ Mr. MorrisonNot without notice.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs it proposed to provide any of this work and subsidy for the Special Areas?
§ Mr. MorrisonAll these matters are under consideration.
§ Mr. GallacherWith regard to the right hon. Gentleman's statement that £39,000,000 has been given to the beet-sugar industry, could he not have given it to the 2,000 workers and let them retire on it?