HC Deb 06 April 1937 vol 322 cc43-4W
Mr. Denville

asked the Lord President of the Council what are the present approximate world stocks of sugar; how these compare with stocks available at a comparable date in 1934; and whether, in view of the reduction due to increased consumption, he will reconsider his decision that it is still desirable to limit sugar production within the British Empire provided that it is efficient?

Mr. R. MacDonald

The approximate visible world stocks of sugar on the 1st March, 1937, were, in accordance with figures recently published, 5,834,000 tons; and on the 1st March, 1934, were 7,636,000 tons, of which 1,665,000 tons were segregated under the Chadbourne Scheme and were therefore not available for disposal. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Birkenhead, West (Lieut.-Colonel Sandeman Allen), on 25th March last.

Lieut.-Colonel Sandeman Allen

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the total weight of articles containing sugar exported in each of the calendar years 1933, 1934, 1935, and 1936?

Mr. Chamberlain

I regret that the information is not available.

Mr. Maclean

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how much sugar has been imported from foreign countries during the last three years to be refined and consumed in Great Britain and to be refined and re-exported, respectively?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

The quantity of imported non-Empire sugar delivered for refining in each of the years ended 30th April, 1934, 1935 and 1936 was as follows:

Year ended 30th April, Cwts.
1934 … … 21,963,000
1935 … … 20,603,000
1936 … … 22,225,000
It is not possible to say how much of this sugar was for consumption in this country, and how much for re-export.