§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what benefits he estimates will accrue for Scottish farmers or industries due to the recent decisions taken concerning expansion of United Kingdom sugar beet production.
§ Mr. William RossThere is no sugar beet industry in Scotland at present. Whether it would be feasible and advantageous to re-establish one, in the light of the projections in the White Paper "Food From Our Own Resources" and of all the factors affecting the profitability of sugar beet growing and processing in Scotland, is a matter for the judgment of farmers and processors themselves.
§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will encourage the building of a Scottish sugar beet factory or factories, to replace the Cupar factory closed down in 1971, and to ensure that Scotland claims a share of the sugar beet expansion schemes now taking place.
§ Mr. William RossWhether it would make good sense to resume sugar beet processing in Scotland is a matter for the commercial judgment of the British Sugar Corporation or any other interested organisation.