§ 26. Mr. Odeyasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that the sugar beet factories in the north of England are unable to cope with beet supplies from the south, he will consider the erection of a new sugar beet factory in the south of England.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNo beet grown in the south has ever been refused for 1849 lack of processing capacity, but in any event the need to limit capital investment at present prevents the building of another sugar beet factory.
§ Mr. OdeyWill the Minister bear in mind that this project, by increasing the production of sugar in this country, would be a prime dollar saver and would also improve the prospect of de-rationing of sugar?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe building of a sugar-beet factory is a very considerable capital venture. At the moment, in view of the capital investment position, we are using what capital is available for improving existing facilities.
§ Brigadier Prior-PalmerDoes my right hon. and gallant Friend realise that unless the South does get a sugar-beet factory in the early future the sugar-beet area in the South will go completely out of production, with very serious consequences to the sugar supplies of this country?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeAs I have said, the problem is that we are in a difficulty with regard to capital expenditure. The other difficulty is that it is not the South that is the only part of Britain which needs a sugar-beet factory.