§ 47. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Agriculture what research work as distinct from development and testing work is being carried out by the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)As the answer is rather detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. ErrollWill the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will keep this matter under review?
§ Mr. WilliamsMost certainly.
§ Following is the answer:
§ Owing to the urgent need for increasing the output both of machines and of men on the farms, the research work of the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering has so far concentrated 1454 mainly on subjects which are of immediate practical value. These include: Pneumatic tyre design and wheel efficiency; pneumatic conveying of materials; separation of stones from potatoes, and other potato harvesting problems; conditioning of grain in storage bins; mechanism for depositing seeds at spaced intervals; mechanism to provide an evenly controlled flow of fertiliser. In addition, the farm mechanisation inquiry collects accurate information about the usefulness and convenience of, or the technique of using newly developed machinery in ordinary farming.
§ 48. Mr. Errollasked the Minister of Agriculture to what body the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering at present reports; whether any change of responsible body is contemplated; and when the engineering representation on the appointed responsible body will be strengthened.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe National Institute reports to the Agricultural Machinery Development Board. The present board's term of office is due to expire in January, 1948, and future arrangements are at present under active consideration.
§ Mr. ErrollWill the right hon. Gentleman say when these arrangements will be settled, in view of the early termination of these reports?
§ Mr. WilliamsEarly in the New Year.