§ 105. Mr. PERCY HARRIS (Leicester, Harborough)asked the Minister of Munitions whether, under his powers he has vetoed the exhibition of agricultural implements at the forthcoming agricultural show; and, if so, whether, seeing the importance of encouraging the use of labour-saving devices, due to the shortage of labour and the need of maintaining the Home supply of food, he will consider the advisability of withdrawing this veto?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt has been found necessary in most cases to prohibit the exhibition of machinery and implements in order to prevent the diversion of plant and labour from the production of munitions. The considerations suggested by the hon. Member were very carefully weighed before action was taken, and the question was fully discussed with the Board of Agriculture and the council of the Royal Agricultural Society. An exception was made in favour of the Annual Royal Agricultural Show at Manchester, where the exhibition of machinery already in stock lias been allowed on condition that no new machinery was manufactured for the show and no orders were taken for new machinery.