Sugar-Beet Factories (Hansard, 14 March 1949)

62. Lieut.-Colonel Clifton-Brown
asked the Minister of Agriculture what plans have been or are being made to erect new sugar-beet factories so as to allow for an expansion of the present target.

§ Mr. G. Brown
No plans have been made to erect new sugar-beet factories so as to allow for an expansion of the present target. The target included in the long-term programme of European Economic Co-operation is 400,000 acres for each year up to and including 1952.

Lieut.-Colonel Clifton-Brown
Does that mean that there is sufficient sugar in this country, and if so will the hon. Member inform the Minister of Food?

§ Mr. Brown
It does not mean anything more than I have said.

§ Mr. Mikardo
Was there any opposition on the part of the hon. and learned Member for the Combined English Universities (Mr. H. Strauss) to the use of the word "target" in this Question?

§ Mr. J. H. Hare
Does not the hon. Member think it would be a good thing to examine the possibilities of constructing a sugar-beet factory south of the Thames, because at the moment all sugar-beet grown in Surrey and Hampshire has to go to the Eastern Counties?

§ Mr. Brown
That question is under consideration at the moment.

§ Mr. Beechman
In view of the usefulness of this industry, will the Ministry consider the urgent necessity of having a sugar-beet factory in the West Country?