HC Deb 20 November 1974 vol 881 cc1299-300
8. Sir John Gilmour

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will hold consultations in Scotland to review the possibility of again growing sugar beet, in view of the changed circumstances since the Cupar sugar factory was closed; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

The question whether there should be a resumption of sugar beet growing in Scotland is a matter for the commercial judgment of the farmers and other interests concerned.

Sir J. Gilmour

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that owing to the fact that present legislation precludes farmers from starting up sugar beet enterprises on their own, positive action is required by the Government if this matter is to be reopened?

Mr. Brown

I am not aware of any legislation that prevents anybody setting up commercial enterprises, whether those enterprises be in sugar beet or any other kind of activity. We have had no representations from any farmers suggesting that we should make such provision in Scotland.

Mr, William Hamilton

Does my hon. Friend realise—I am sure that he does—that there already is a current world shortage of sugar? In view of that, will he take steps to encourage Scottish farmers—Scotsmen, every one of them—to do their national duty and produce Scottish sugar for Scottish people in Scottish factories?

Mr. Brown

I appreciate my hon. Friend's sentiments, but I must point out to him that when the Cupar factory was operating there was a very low production of sugar in terms of the contribution it made to the full United Kingdom requirements, and, indeed, to Scottish requirements. The SNP think that oil will solve everything, but to the best of my knowledge there is so far no known way of producing sugar from oil.

Miss Harvie Anderson

Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance to the House that the required 1.4 million tons of cane sugar will be made available for the Greenock factory, thereby securing the jobs of 900 workers in that factory?

Mr. Brown

As the right hon. Lady knows, this is a slightly wider question —and not all of the 1.4 million tons would be made available to Greenock, because this is a United Kingdom figure. I can certainly give an assurance that we are seized of the importance of ensuring the maximum number of jobs in Greenock.