§ Mr. Hazellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consideration he has given to the policy of factory rationalisation announced by the British Sugar Corporation; what additional factory closure there will be besides that at Cupar, and how soon; and whether the rationalisation plans involve any change in the total acreage of sugar beet.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe British Sugar Corporation has kept the Government informed about its plans for rationalising its factory structure. I am satisfied, as is my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, that rationalisation is desirable in the national interest. I cannot at present say what further closure there will be in addition to that at Cupar. I understand that the British Sugar Corporation has still to complete certain economic studies, but that it will make a further announcement as soon as possible. As the Corporation has already said, at least three seasons' notice will be given to growers who may be adversely affected. The rationalisation plans do not involve any change in the total acreage of sugar beet, which is, of course, a matter for determination at the Annual Review.