HC Deb 16 June 1947 vol 438 cc1573-4
34. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Supply whether he will take steps to remedy the shortage of potato forks and other agricultural tools, at present unobtainable by cultivators of allotments and smallholdings.

Mr. Wilmot

Supplies are limited by the lack of skilled labour in the industry and by the shortage of steel, and I am afraid there is no prospect of any immediate improvement. I am, however, very ready to help by asking manufacturers to distribute increased supplies to areas where a particularly acute shortage is brought to my notice.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that both in London and areas outside I have been trying for months, without success, to buy a potato fork? Will he tell me where I can get one?

Air-Commodore Harvey

Will the Minister give an undertaking that while these implements are required at home they will not be exported?