The Sugar . Monopoly Danger The kind of monopoly created temporarily
and for a limited period by the Hops Marketing- Scheme, under which a ring of producers is allowed to create a monopoly dosed against all potential competition, is always to be viewed" with the utmost suspicion. As for the latest move in_the same field, the attempt of a small circle of sugar manufacturers and refiners—with one large concern dwarfing all the establish a complete monopoly of sugar production, protected by statutory powers under the Agricultural Marketing Acts, it has only to be examined to be condemned. The proposal is made superficially :attractive by the suggestion that the beet subsidy, instead of being paid by the Treasury, should be met by the levy of id. a pound on all sugar sold. The Spectator has consistently condemned the beet subsidy, but if it is to continue at all, let it fall on the general body of taxpayers, not be laid as an oppressive burden on the workers and the unemployed in whose dietary sugar figures, and should figure, largely. The tax on bakers, confectioners, jam-makers and the choco- late firms would, of course, be intolerable. The Wilfrid Greene Committee on the beet subsidy has still to report, but it is well that the public should be fully forewarned of the monopoly proposals. * * * *
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