§ Sir T. Cookasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the unfair allocation of grants available for transport of sugar beet in Norfolk; and whether he will arrange a more equitable distribution, proportionate to the distance from the factory.
Mr. HudsonI am aware that there has been some dissatisfaction on the part of growers situated at a distance from the sugar beet factories who would not normally grow sugar beet but have been required to do so as part of the war-time sugar programme. I would point out, however, that the disparity m transport costs as between the near and distant grower has been considerably reduced by the special provision under which growers are relieved of rail transport costs in excess of 7s. per ton and growers who send their beet by road receive a similar benefit. I am satisfied that the terms of the contract, including this special freight concession, are reasonable.