§ 57. Lieut.-Colonel Corbettasked the Minister of Agriculture what types and quantities of machinery he has planned to import from Australia and North America, respectively, during 1947.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsNo agricultural machinery is being imported from Australia in 1947. Imports from North America will, I hope, consist of track- 1605 laying tractors, special types of wheeled tractors, combined harvesters, drills, pickup balers, binders, mowers, seufflers, hay-loaders, swathers, forage harvesters, ensilage cutters and blowers, sugar beet harvesters and sugar beet loaders. For most items the quantities will not be large, but owing to the uncertain supply position in the U.S.A. it is not yet possible to say how many can be obtained in 1947.
§ 59. Mr. Turtonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that one prominent firm of agricultural engineers in York has 270 orders with British manufacturers for spare parts still outstanding and if, in view of this evidence that the priority system is not working well, he will take further immediate steps to arrange for the production of spare parts for agricultural machinery for the use of farmers in this country instead of producing machines for the export market.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am not aware of the case referred to, or of any general shortage of spare parts for home-produced agricultural machinery. I will, however, have inquiries made if the hon. Member will supply me with particulars.
§ Mr. TurtonMay I invite the Minister to come to my constituency during the Recess when he will find that the general shortage of farm implements is going to hold up wheat production?
§ Mr. WilliamsI was in the hon. Member's division not many weeks ago.
Mr. BaldwinIs the Minister aware that if he goes anywhere in the country he will find that the same sort of thing applies?