HC Deb 13 December 1948 vol 459 cc95-6W
52. Mr. Drayson

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the estimated sugar beet crop for the year 1947–48; what quantity of beet pulp will be available to farmers delivering beet; what quantity does he estimate will be available for the general feedingstuffs pool; and what quantity of beet pulp has been imported from overseas during the past 12 months.

Mr. T. Williams

I assume the hon. Member is referring to the 1948 harvest, from which it is estimated 4,166,000 tons of sugar beet will be produced. Under the terms of their contract with the sugar beet factory, growers of beet are entitled to receive up to 1½ cwt. of pulp for each ton of clean beet delivered to the factory, and it is not at present expected that there will be any surplus for the feedingstuffs pool. No pulp has been imported from overseas in the last 12 months.