§ 91. Sir D. Rentonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the authorised sugar beet acreage has been drilled so far; whether he is aware that on heavy land weather conditions have made drilling impossible until recently; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hoy:I understand from the British Sugar Corporation that 24 per cent. of the authorised acreage of sugar beet had been drilled by 18th April. Drilling has undoubtedly been considerably delayed by the weather in all areas, particularly on the heavier soils. However, although last week's final figures are not yet available, I understand that a good deal of progress was made in many areas and that as much as 70 per cent. may by now have been drilled.