§ 52. Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any estimate has been made of the number of new binders required by British farmers for 1947; how many are likely to be produced by home manufacturers; how many are to be imported; and whether any of those produced by home manufacturers are to be exported.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)It has not been practicable to make an official estimate in advance. Home production for the home market is however, based by the manufacturers on orders received. Farmers were advised in November last to place their orders for new binders as soon as possible, and the supply of home produced machines should be adequate to meet the requirements of farmers who have followed this advice. I am not able to supply detailed information as to home production as this is confined almost entirely to one firm. About 1,000 im- 602 ported binders are, However, expected and have been allocated. The home manufacturers may be able to export up to one-third of their output, though this will only enable them to meet a small part of their heavy overseas orders.
§ Colonel RopnerDo I understand that home manufacturers are compelled to export?
§ Mr. WilliamsI said they were expected to do so—not that they were compelled.