§ 60. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture what provision is being made in the present year for the importation of spare parts needed for U.S. and Canadian farm tractors and implements.
§ 64. Major John Morrisonasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the shortage of spare parts for U.S.-made tractors and that this entails loss of food production; and what steps are being taken to remedy this situation.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe orders of the importing firms for spare parts to service U.S.A. and Canadian agricultural machinery in this country are not curtailed in any way, and whenever delays or shortages are brought to the notice of my Department, efforts are made to expedite shipment. Recent strikes in the U.S.A. may, unfortunately, make the supply position more difficult. Encouragement is given to production in Britain of spare parts for these machines.
§ Mr. HurdIs it not a fact that delays of up to six months have been taking place in getting replacements, and is not this due to the fact that orders go through three Departments—the right hon. Gentleman's own, the Ministry of Supply and the Board of Trade, and could it not be done direct?
§ Mr. WilliamsNo, I am afraid that is not the case. The delay is not due to the failure to give orders early or to make funds available for the purchase once the spare parts are available to us.