§ 53. Sir J. Leechasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent war conditions show that the pre-war beet-sugar subsidy policy has been justified; how far the policy has saved foreign exchange being required for payments of imported sugar; and how far has home grown beet sugar made available an increased home supply of an essential food, and thereby saved cargo space?
§ Sir J. SimonThe existence of a home-grown beet-sugar industry, which is attributable to pre-war subsidy policy, has undoubtedly been of the greatest assistance under war conditions. The beet campaign just concluded has provided the country with about 500,000 tons of sugar. This home supply has obviated the employment of an equivalent quantity of cargo space and has substantially reduced our foreign, currency requirements.