§ 33. Mr. Snaddenasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that lime suppliers cannot execute orders placed with them by Scottish farmers as long ago as August last; that the reason given for this by manufacturers is shortage 1384 of labour; and what steps he proposes to take in order to make vital supplies of lime available to farmers in Scotland?
Mr. JohnstonI am aware that in some areas difficulty has been experienced by Scottish farmers in obtaining lime. The present deficiency in supplies is due to a number of causes among which labour and transport difficulties, A.R.P. considerations, and increased demand for industrial uses are the more important. I am endeavouring, with the co-operation of the Minister of War Transport and the Minister of Labour and National Service, to overcome these difficulties, and also to stimulate the production of lime by a scheme of grants for the erection of new limestone grinding and waste lime drying plant. A survey of the available lime resources of Scotland is being rapidly conducted by a Technical Committee recently set up by the Department of Agriculture, with a view to recommending suitable sources of development.
§ Mr. SnaddenCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the committee appointed by him with a view to mobilising fully our lime resources has made any proposal as to how this grave shortage in supplies can be met?