HC Deb 20 July 1938 vol 338 cc2203-4
89. Mr. De Chair

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he proposes to make any grant towards the encouragement of crop-drying, in view of the expensive plant required, the wet climate of this country, and the high feeding value of artificially dried crops?

Captain Dugdale (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. Substantial grants are being made both by the Ministry and the Agricultural Research Council in respect of experimental work in this subject, but my right hon. Friend has no funds from which the purchase of private plants could be subsidised, even if this course were in itself desirable.

Mr. De Chair

Is the hon. and gallant Member not aware of the difficulty which any ordinary farmer has in getting a crop-drying plant owing to its expensive nature? Cannot the Government consider something in the nature of a grant for this purpose?

Captain Dugdale

My right hon. Friend at the present moment is giving approximately £3,000 this year to encourage crop-drying, but, as I have already said, he is unable to subsidise an individual owner of the plant.