§ 43. Sir Joseph Lambasked the Minister of Agriculture, in view of the increased number of combine harvesters which will be in use this season, what special arrangements have been made in regard to transport and storage facilities to enable grain to be cleared from the farms as soon as harvested.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. Tom Williams)It is expected that 16 large Ministry of Food silos will be available by next harvest, in addition to existing storage facilities, to deal with combine harvested grain. Additional storage accommodation is also being provided at mills and on merchants' premises and to a limited extent on farms. We are in close touch with the Ministry of War Transport, and the rail position is being examined in areas where it is anticipated that difficulties may arise. Wider use is being made of water transport.
§ Sir J. LambCan the Minister say whether particular care will be taken with regard to the siting of the silos?
§ Mr. WilliamsVery great care was taken beforehand on the siting.
§ Mr. LevyWhat arrangements are being made for water transport, in anticipation of drought in rural areas?
§ Mr. WilliamsThat is a matter for the Ministry of War Transport.
§ Sir Ralph GlynWhat arrangements are being made for drying grain which will be thrown on the market at a very early date?
§ Mr. WilliamsThe Ministry of Food have silos which will deal with at least 80,000 tons of grain, and they have also drying facilities available. Where other drying plants can be established, they are being established as quickly as possible.