§ 9. Mr. MacGregorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take action to increase the overall return to United Kingdom sugar beet growers in the current year in view of the inadequacy of the present price in face of rising costs.
§ Mr. BuchanPrices paid to growers are a matter for negotiation between their representatives and the British Sugar Corporation.
§ Mr. MacGregorIs the hon. Gentleman aware that M. Lardinois recently commented that the sugar beet price in the United Kingdom was too low, bearing in mind production costs, and needed to be boosted? In view of that, as well as the fact that many growers are likely to have losses this year, will he consider whether he can find ways to increase the return to growers this year, perhaps, among other things, by restoring the 10 per cent. cut in the transition period announced by his right hon. Friend earlier this year, not least because it will give some confidence to growers contemplating a cut-back in acreage next year?
§ Mr. BuchanI, and my Department, have received from the NFU representations on prices and future prospects, and we are considering those representations.