§ Viscount CASTLEREAGHasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the total Government assistance per cwt. of sugar at present granted to the home-grown beet-sugar industry by way of direct subsidy on sugar and on molasses and by refund of excise duty; and how does this compare with the present price per cwt. of imported raw sugar in bond?
§ Sir J. GILMOURApart from the repayable advances, at a maximum rate of 1s. 3d. per cwt. of sugar, made to 12 of the 18 factories during the past season under the British Sugar Industry (Assistance) Act, 1931, the effective Government assistance at present afforded to the beet-sugar industry, including subsidy on sugar and molasses and preferential reduction of duty, is equivalent to 10s. 9d. per cwt, on fully refined sugar. The current price per cwt. of imported raw sugar ex duty is about 6s. 3d.
§ Mr. PURBRICKasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the composition of the special committee appointed to examine the question of sugar-beet policy?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe committee to which the hon. Member no doubt is referring is a committee of officials of the various Departments concerned who have been collecting information for the consideration of Ministers. The results of its investigations will, of course, be confidential.