HC Deb 27 November 1963 vol 685 cc257-9
12. Sir J. Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the eligibility for acreage payments of farmers who have difficulty, owing to bad weather, in harvesting their crops.

a table showing for the last five years the acreage of sugar beet contracted for by the Cupar sugar factory, the acreage actually grown, and the waiting list for quota acreage; and how many acres are contracted for in respect of the year 1964 to date.

Mr. Stodart

I will, with permission, circulate in the Official Report the figures requested for the past five years. For 1964, offers from growers to talled 7,600 acres at 25th November.

Sir J. Duncan

Is my hon. Friend aware that the figures which are to be circulated are likely to show a declining change in the acreage for beet, and that the figure he has quoted rather tends to prove it? In view of the difficulties which farmers have had with sugar beet growing and the disincentives of price and transport, will my hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of keeping the Cupar sugar factory open in full production in future years?

Mr. Stodart

Yes, my hon. Friend is right when he points out that there has been a comparatively minor decline in the figures between 1962–63. I would just remind him that the last three years have been particularly bad ones for weather conditions for sugar beet growers, following upon two extremely good ones in 1959 and 1960. The question of transport is under discussion between the National Farmers' Union and the British Sugar Corporation at the moment.

The following is the information:

Mr. Stodart

Difficulty in harvesting oats or barley as grain, due to bad harvesting weather, will not affect entitlement in respect of a crop which is otherwise eligible for deficiency payment.

Sir J. Duncan

Will my hon. Friend tell me if any special steps have to be taken by farmers, in the deplorable situation because of the weather, to make quite certain that the fact that grain has not been harvested but fed direct to cattle will not invalidate their claims?

Mr. Stodart

No, provided there was quite obviously an intention to harvest, and the intention has been frustrated by impossible weather conditions, the acreage payments will become due.

Sir J. Duncan

Thank you very much.