§ Mr. BAKERasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state what Government grants or remissions of taxation operate in regard to the beet-sugar industry in this country; and what is the total national cost to the Exchequer?
Mr. GRAHAMThe only Government grant or remission of taxation operating in regard to sugar made in this country from home-grown beet is the exemption from Excise Duty. The estimated output of the beet-sugar factories during the last working season was 13,000 tons, but as the rate of duty on sugar is governed by its polarisation, and the polarisation of this home-produced sugar is unknown, the amount of Excise Duty involved cannot be stated.