§ 39. Mr. MacArthurasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the annual acreage of sugar beet necessary to ensure the economic viability of the Cupar sugar factory.
§ Mr. BuchanThis is a matter for the British Sugar Corporation. I understand that the figure is 16,000 acres.
§ Mr. MacArthurDoes the hon. Gentleman recognise that the likely acreage this year is something under 7,000, less than half the viable acreage for the economic working of the factory? Will he realise that urgent action is necessary if the sugar beet industry is to continue in a viable form in Scotland?
§ Mr. BuchanWe have already started taking action to try to overcome the ill-effects of the policies of the party opposite, who cut the transport subvention in 1502 1963 and thus halved the sugar acreage in Scotland. We are now encouraging the development in the area.