§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of any 1004W plans to erect new beet-sugar factories in the near future; and, if so, whether he will consider seeking powers to enable him to provide that such factories shall not contain machinery other than is necessary for carrying the process through to the raw-sugar stage only?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has any information as to the extent to which European beet-sugar-producing countries have recently reduced their crops in order to meet the situation which has arisen out of the excessive production of such sugar; and whether any similar reduction is contemplated in this country?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI understand that the production of beet sugar in Europe in 1931–32 is estimated to be 27 per cent. below the total production in the previous year, while in the European countries that are parties to the International Agreement for the restriction of sugar production and export, the total production of beet-sugar in 1931–32 is estimated to be 35 per cent. below the total production in 1930–31. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.