§ 55. Mr. Woodsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider the possibility of utilising the large number of mechanical excavators now idle at brickfields for trenching and draining land that is at present unfit for cultivation through lack of satisfactory drainage?
Mr. HudsonI am advised that any mechanical excavators now lying idle at brickfields are of a type unsuitable in size and weight for use on the land drainage work at present being carried out with the object of increasing the productivity of agricultural land.
§ Mr. de RothschildAs these instruments may be of use to the L.D.V. to make fields unsuitable for the landing of aeroplanes, will not the Minister get into touch with the Secretary of State for War in order that they may be employed for this purpose?
Mr. HudsonYes, Sir, the War Office are already obtaining particulars of such appliances to see how many could be made use of.
§ Mr. WoodsCould not consultations take place so that, at the same time, the land could be made suitable for cultivation? Cannot the two jobs be done together?