HC Deb 28 June 1967 vol 749 cc508-9
38. Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the final acreage of sugar beet sown in Scotland this year; how much this acreage differs from the contracted acreage; and how the acreage sown compares with that sown in each of the last two seasons.

Mr. Buchan

The final estimate is 6,798 acres sown, compared with a contracted acreage of 6,785; 7,110 acres were sown in 1966 and 8,968 acres in 1965.

Sir J. Gilmour

Would the hon. Gentleman agree that, in the light of his experience in visiting the field in Fife the other day, and the Cupar factory, it is essential to take some steps in advance of next year's Price Review in order to get the increased acreage of sugar beet to make the factory a viable unit?

Mr. Buchan

The hon. Member must realise that we have taken steps. For example, we have restored the transport subvention which was so viciously cut by the party opposite four years ago, and we have increased by 2s. 6d. the subvention for sugar beet. What the industry now requires is a breathing-space—and it is not always helped by statements made by the hon. Member for Fife, East (Sir J. Gilmour)—in order that it may recover its position and encourage producers.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does my hon. Friend realise that this small acreage could be and should be greatly increased by the establishment of more sugar beet factories and finding markets for the sugar?

Mr. Buchan

I think that the real task is not so much to establish more sugar factories but to ensure that we fill the sugar factory which we have already.

Mr. Stodart

Now that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned the cut in the subvention, would he say what is the extent of the increased charges falling on growers as a result of the cut in the fertiliser subsidy this year? Would he agree that, in the hope of getting a possible break-through in technical developments for this crop in Scotland, it is very important that nothing should be done to discourage production in the next few years?

Mr. Buchan

I agree very much with the latter half of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. I think that that is exactly the point: nothing should be done to discourage production. This is why we are encouraging it in every possible way by positive statements.