61. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that a minimum quantity of 1,450 tons of wire is required within the next two months for urgent repair work in hop gardens; and what steps are being taken to make the necessary supplies available.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am aware of the shortage of wire for hop growing that has developed, and I am in close touch with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply, who is making every effort to increase supplies of wire for this purpose as early as possible.
Mr. Baker WhiteWill the Minister consider using War Department surplus wire for certain types of wiring?
§ Mr. WilliamsYes, Sir; that matter is under consideration at the moment.
63. Mr. Baldwinasked the Minister of Agriculture if his Department has made an estimate as to how many acres of hops will be left derelict in 1947 unless the necessary supplies of wire are made available for repairs at an early date.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am informed by the Hops Marketing Board approximately 1,000 acres of hops were damaged in the recent storms and will require re-wiring. In conjunction with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply, I am taking all possible steps to assist the hop growers to meet the present emergency.
Mr. BaldwinIn view of the great urgency and the short time available to re-erect this wiring, will the Minister take very active steps in this matter?
§ Mr. WilliamsVery active steps have been taken.