§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the subsidy paid by the British taxpayer towards sugar-beet growing and treatment, there is any precaution against foreign exploitation of the home market; and is he aware that the Dutch farmers are now getting 18s. for their beet as against 54s. paid to the British farmer?
Mr. GUINNESSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I would point out that there is no incentive for Brit sh beet-sugar factories to import foreign beet as no subsidy is payable on sugar and molasses produced from, imported beet. As regards the second part of the question I am informed that Dutch farmer's are receiving, not 18s. per ton for their beet but approximately 18 guilders which is 30s. per ton.
§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Agriculture whether there is any control by the Ministry, in view of the sugar-beet subsidy, of over-establishment of sugar-beet factories in any given area whereby the working of those undertakings may become uneconomical: and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of acquiring such control?
Mr. GUINNESSThe British Sugar Subsidy Act gives the Minister of Agriculture no power of control over the number of sites of beet-sugar factories, the principle being that the industry shall establish itself with the minimum of interference. Where, however, guar- 2029W antees of capital are sought from the Trade Facilities Act Advisory Committee by promoters of new factories, the Ministry is able to suggest conditions from the agricultural standpoint with the object of avoiding overlapping of factory areas. This question of overlapping has engaged the continued attention, not only of the Ministry, but of the National Farmers' Union and the British' Sugar Beet Society, and I hope that all concerned will realise the importance of spreading the industry as widely as possible throughout the country, and so avoid excessive concentration in particular areas. If, however, it appears that the objects of the Act are likely to be defeated by serious overlapping of factories, the question of asking Parliament for some power of control would have to be seriously considered.