HC Deb 19 November 1942 vol 385 c499
53. Major Kimball

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that a demonstration of ploughing was arranged at Brooksby, Leicestershire, during the week commencing 26th October, which caused the withdrawal of war agricultural executive committee machinery and labour from many neighbouring farms, with resultant delay in ploughing and drilling winter wheat; and will he take steps to ensure that, in future, similar demonstrations are arranged at times when the machinery and labour can be spared without holding up productive agriculture work?

Mr. Hudson

I have encouraged county war agricultural executive committees to arrange demonstrations of improved methods for farmers and farm workers as I consider them a valuable means of securing increased efficiency. I have no doubt that the considerations mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend were borne in mind by the committee responsible for the demonstration referred to, which the Ministry's inspector reported as being very successful and useful.

Major Kimball

Is it not possible to arrange these demonstrations at a time when war agricultural executive committee machinery and men are not required for such agricultural work as ploughing and drilling?

Mr. Hudson

It could not have been possible in this particular case or it would have been done.