HC Deb 19 October 1971 vol 823 c82W
34. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now take steps to increase the production of sugar beet, as there is spare capacity, as farmers wish to increase production, and as it is his policy to give priority to the home producer.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

Our domestic requirements of sugar are already met from the present authorised acreage, together with sugar which we are committed to purchase under the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement at least until the end of 1974. There is therefore no room for any increase in beet production until that date.