§ 70. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will assist Island and Highland crofters by offering the free use of tractors and increasing the number of tractors in the possession of the Scottish Department of Agriculture for this purpose?
Mr. WedderburnThe Department of Agriculture for Scotland do not at present own any tractors, and the institution of a scheme such as the hon. Member suggests would require careful consideration. If, however, he will send me further particulars of what he has in mind I shall gladly look into the matter.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the tractor which is sometimes hired by the crofters from the experimental farm is growing in popularity and that they look forward to the use of it, and will he give further consideration to my suggestion?
Mr. WedderburnThere have been two tractors available to be hired since 1934, and I understand that the demand for them has not been very great, that, in fact, only about 75 acres have been worked by these means, and I think the suggestion in the hon. Member's question is impracticable.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the only reason why there has not been more demand for these tractors is that the price of hire is too high?