§ Mr. S. MITCHELLasked the Secretary for Scotland what progress has been made in the sugar-beet industry in Scotland during recent years, and in what localities the sugar-beet factories are now in operation; and if he anticipates an increase in the development of this industry?
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§ Sir J. GILMOURIn 1925 the Orchard Sugar Company established a sugar-beet factory at Greenock and contracted with farmers in various parts of Scotland (including Ayrshire, Argyll and Boss) for the growing of about 1,600 acres of the crop. Manufacturing operations were started in December last. It is expected that a larger area of crop will be available for this factory in 1926–27. In 1924 the Anglo-Scottish Beet Sugar Corporation contracted with 146 farmers for the experimental growing of some 200 acres in Scotland. The experiment was repeated in 1925 and, as a result, the Corporation have arranged to erect a factory at Cupar, Fife. It is understood that this factory will have a capacity for dealing with 5,000 acres of crop, and that it will be ready in time for the 1926–27 manufacturing season.