§ 54. Captain Yorkasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the shortage of supplies of lime; and whether he can give any encouragement to farmers, who have been informed by their suppliers that deliveries cannot be made until next winter or spring, that in fact supplies will be available before autumn ploughing commences?
Mr. HudsonI am aware that there are local shortages of certain kinds of lime, but every endeavour is being made by my Department to increase the quantity available. It should be possible for the great bulk of the orders now with suppliers to be delivered before the autumn ploughing commences, but farmers will have to be prepared to accept, where necessary, delivery of a kind of lime alternative to that ordered.
§ Captain YorkIs the Minister aware that in the West Riding of Yorkshire farmers are already being told that they cannot obtain supplies of lime before December?
Mr. HudsonYes, Sir, but in the majority of cases that I have investigated that is because the farmer has ordered a particular type of lime. I cannot guarantee to supply particular types of lime in particular areas. Farmers must take whatever lime is available.