§ 10. Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked the Minister of Munitions if his Department has yet formed regulations to give information to guide makers of ploughs and other agricultural implements as to the proportion in which they are to satisfy the demand for ploughs and plough wearing parts for preparing the land for the next seeding in comparison with their engagements for the supply of munitions; and what steps each manufacturer so engaged should take to enable him to arrange his output accordingly? Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I congratulate him upon his safe return from a perilous journey.
§ The MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Lloyd George)No detailed regulation such as that suggested seems either necessary or practicable. If a maker of agricultural implements has undertaken a munitions contract he must, of course, execute it in preference to other work, but I fully realise the importance of any work which tends to maintain or increase the food supplies of the country, and I shall continue to bear this in mind in placing contracts.