§ Viscount WOLMERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received application from Sugar Beet and Crop Driers, Ltd., for a short term loan or guarantee to an extent of £70,000 to assist them in erecting factories for the treatment of sugar beet under the Oxford process; and whether, in view of the fact that the contract with farmers for sugar beet has to be entered into before May, he can see his way to give an early decision on the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy right hon. Friend has been approached on behalf of the com-2288W pany for assistance by way of a short-term loan or a bank guarantee or both. The company applied for State assistance to the late Government and the present Government has also previously been approached in the matter. In common with its predecessor the present Government is unable to give the assistance asked for.