§ 25. Mr. Loveysasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why there has been a decline in the growing of sugar beet in the south of England over the last few years.
§ Mr. HoySince county quotas were abolished in 1960, the growing of sugar beet has shifted more to the eastern counties most suitable for it in respect of type of land and the location of factory capacity.
§ Mr. LoveysSince this has nothing to do with the Price Review, may I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he considers that growers in the south of England who are a long way from the factories should have a reasonable share of the sugar beet acreage? If so, will he encourage this by making provision for special transport allowances, similar to those which have been obtained by the canny Scots growers with similar problems for beet processing in the Cupar factory?
§ Mr. HoyI cannot comment on the hon. Gentleman's remarks about the canny Scots growers. I must leave them to look after themselves. There is already sufficient processing capacity in those parts of the country where farmers are still keen to grow all the sugar beet that is required. We certainly have the factory accommodation to meet the needs of these farmers.
§ Mr. KimballIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this year much of the sugar beet is not being harvested and that a lot of the crop that has been harvested has been harvested at no profit but because there is a debt of honour in the contract with the industry? Will he bear this in mind during the present negotiations?
§ Mr. HoyIt is not for me to comment at this stage on what will happen. I am certain that the comments of the hon. Gentleman and other remarks will be drawn to the attention of those who are considering this matter in connection with the Price Review.