§ 49. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Agriculture what provision is made for assuring that where rubber tyres are provided for tractors there is also available a supply of the necessary discs.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsSupplies are being provided by tractor manufacturers and im- 2340 porters and by other firms. Increased authorisations for materials are being issued by my Department in accordance with estimated demand, but I am afraid that there is still some difficulty in providing sufficient manufacturing capacity at present owing to the general shortage of foundry labour.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs the Minister aware that in certain cases tyres have been delivered when there were no vehicles? Will he take steps to remedy the situation?
§ Mr. WilliamsYes, Sir. When the shortage was apparent towards the end of last year, manufacturers were appealed to for an increase of production and special raw material was made available to them for the purpose.