§ 8. Sir J. Gilmourasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total return to farmers in Scotland for the 1969 sugar beet crop; and what is the estimated total return for the 1970 crop on the contracted acreage to be planted this season.
§ Mr. BuchanIncluding the transport subvention, farmers in Scotland received £1,110,237 for the 12,392 acres of sugar beet they grew in 1969. No realistic estimate of the likely return for the 1970 crop is possible.
§ Sir J. GilmourDoes the hon. Gentleman not agree that there will be an increase this year and that if the Government persist in closing the Cupar factory they do away with a large cash crop for the Scottish farming industry?
§ Mr. BuchanOn the first point, that may be so. It is still early to make that kind of prediction. On the second point, the hon. Member had perhaps better wait and see what is forthcoming this afternoon, when the Price Review is announced.