§ 7. Mr. PATRICK MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware of the delay in the delivery of agricultural tractors in Ireland, and that manufacturers say they are held up in their deliveries from want of transport facilities; and if he can state whether the Director of Transports has taken any action to ensure immediate delivery of these essential machines in Ireland?
§ Mr. DUKEArrangements have been made to provide shipping accommodation for a considerable number of motor tractors, which are expected in the near future The Department of Agriculture 772 points out, however, that the available tractors and ploughs are and will be comparatively few in relation to the tillage required, and that the farmers of Ireland should, therefore, concentrate more upon the acquisition and use of ordinary horse ploughs, and, where possible, of double-furrow ploughs drawn by three horses. In most parts of Ireland, and especially for any but the larger farmers, these implements will be found more suitable for ploughing purposes than motor tractors. Both the Minister of Munitions and the Director of Transports have taken action at the request of the Irish Office to facilitate the delivery of motor tractors in Ireland to the utmost possible extent.