§ 56. Mr. Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the large increase of arable acreage and the negligible increase in the threshing tackle in the country, he will take steps to have the latter increased before next harvest?
Mr. HudsonThe production of threshing machines in the latter part of 1942, and the manufacturers' programme for 1943 should result in a considerable increase of tackle available for the next harvest.
§ Mr. PriceIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in several districts there is insufficient tackle and that some farmers will not have straw to bed their cattle down?
Mr. HudsonIt is not so much a question of lack of machines as the difficulty of seeing that they are adequately distributed.
Major Sir Derrick Gunston: Is my right hon. Friend making arrangements to import more harvesters from the United States?
Mr. HudsonThat is being done. We got sanction only yesterday for a largely 2064 increased programme from Canada and the United States. When they will arrive depends on the shipping situation.
§ Earl WintertonAs great difficulty has arisen in more than one county in the matter of distribution, will the officers of the Department enter into discussions with some of the agricultural executive committees to see if the system of distribution cannot be improved?
Mr. HudsonI shall be very glad to have particulars. I am always trying to improve the position. If my Noble Friend can offer any suggestions, I shall be only too glad to see if they can be adopted.