§ 4. Mr. MacGregorasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in expanding the capacity of sugar beet refineries, in order to deal with the increased production proposed under the White Paper "Food from our Own Resources".
Mr. PearlThe British Sugar Corporation tells me that work on the first two of its factories to be expanded, York and Newark, is progressing well. Expansion at York is virtually complete and that at Newark will be finished by October.
§ Mr. MacGregorI thank the right hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he confirm that the vital proportion of United Kingdom supplies coming from home-grown beet should be substantially increased? Will he ensure that he observes a careful monitoring of other crops and the capital investment programme to see that processing capacity keeps pace with increased output? Will he take appropriate action if for any reason there is a shortfall?
§ Mr. PeartI am anxious to see increased sugar beet production and the industry is serving the country well. This is our purpose, as we said in the White Paper. Unfortunately, last year, because of bad weather, there was a poor crop, but I am confident that we can expand our production.
§ Mr. John EvansWill my right hon. Friend accept that there is grave anxiety among sugar workers in my constituency about job prospects? Will he take steps to urge the farmers in the North-West to grow more beet sugar to be refined at suitable refineries such as those in Newton-le-Willows and Liverpool?
Mr. PearlYes, Sir, I am aware of the worries of many of the hon. Gentleman's constituents and certainly members of my 651 trade union are anxious about the ratio of supplies from abroad to home production. I note what he says. I do not think that any conflict should arise between cane sugar and sugar beet.