§ 31. Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total acreage of sugar beet contracted with the Cupar sugar factory for the current season.
§ Mr. BuchanThe figure is 13,642 acres as at 18th April.
§ Sir J. GilmourIn view of the increased costs which have arisen since the Price Review, and as there has been no increase in the price of sugar beet, does the hon. Gentleman agree that if this splendid increase is to be maintained the Government must give long-term assurances to the sugar beet growers in Scotland?
§ Mr. BuchanThe hon. Gentleman knows some of the difficulties behind that question, but it is worth saying that in 1963 when his Government halved the transport subvention beet acreage likewise halved. We have doubled the transport subvention, and doubled the acreage, and I find that very satisfactory.