§ 62. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give the names and prices of seeding units used as an attachment to a tractor, comparable to the unit known as 7135/X, which are being manufactured in this country; what stocks of each are now available to British farmers and horticulturists; and where these units can be obtained.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsWessex Industries Ltd., of Poole, are the only manufacturers of these seeding units in this country. I regret I am not in a position to give particulars of this company's business, as the returns made to my Department are supplied on the understanding that figures for individual firms will not be disclosed. I am however assured that this firm has sufficient stocks in hand to meet present demands.
§ Mr. StewartWas it only that firm which the right hon. Gentleman had in mind in telling me last week that there were lots of alternative machines available, and is there only one type of machine?
§ Mr. WilliamsI said there were a number of machines available but not a number of different kinds, as this is the only firm making this particular machine.
§ Mr. StewartWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the supply of those machines is adequate? My information is that it is not adequate.
§ Mr. WilliamsIf the hon. Gentleman had listened to my reply, he would have heard me say "I am, however, assured that this firm has sufficient stocks in hand to meet present demands."