63. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the feeling of farmers throughout the country that in spite of being requested by the Government to increase production, the Government are not making available to the primary producers the machinery and other materials vitally necessary in order to effect this, he will make a further statement of his intentions on this matter for 1948.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI think that the intentions of the Government to provide producers with the equipment needed for increased food production in this country are fully known and, as has been indicated on a number of occasions, substantial results are already apparent. As the plans made by suppliers with the help and encouragement of the Government mature, there should be a steady increase in supplies throughout 1948, enabling farmers' expenditure on machinery to increase from some £27–30 million in 1946, and £35–40 million in 1947 to £50 million in 1948.
Mr. De la BèreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a long waiting list for new tractors and new ploughs, that it is impossible to get piped water to lay on to the dairies, or even guttering for the farms? How can the Government, in view of this tragic farce, claim that they are giving the agriculturists the tools to get on with the job? I want to make the most vigorous protest.