§ 52. Mr. Molsonasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that British made self-binders, whose cost is 100 per cent. above the pre-war figure, are being delivered to farmers with only one coat of paint instead of three coats of paint pre-war; and whether, in view of the rapid depreciation of farm machinery due to climatic and storage conditions, he will take steps to safeguard the interests of farmers and prevent them being sold new binders which will be red rust after two seasons use.
Mr. HudsonThe British firm manufacturing binders state that, instead of the two coats of paint used pre-war, they now use a single coat of a special paint which combines the functions of priming and finishing. They have received no complaints of this method of treatment, which is a war-time measure to economise in the use of man-power and to facilitate the substantial expansion of production undertaken to meet urgent war-time needs. The prices of these British made binders have not increased more than 40 to 50 per cent. above the pre-war level.
§ Sir Joseph LambIs it not a fact that a great deal of the trouble caused by rust on the implements is due to the fact that they have been allowed to remain in the open before being repainted?