HC Deb 25 March 1947 vol 435 cc1047-8
12. Mr. Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many binders and tractors have been ordered by Scottish farmers for delivery before harvest time, 1947; whether he expects these orders will be satisfied in full; and what will be the expected proportion of imported and home-produced machines involved.

Mr. Westwood

Scottish farmers have applied for 510 imported binders for the 1947 harvest and have ordered 124 home-produced binders; applications have been received for 466 imported tractors; the known demand for leading makes of home-produced machines is 1,779. It is hoped that substantial numbers of binders and tractors will be supplied before harvest, but in view of production difficulties at home and overseas I regret I am unable to supply any estimate of probable deliveries.

Mr. Spence

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he made a public statement to the Press, that he hoped the demand would be met before the harvest; that several agricultural executives were refusing orders for imported machines; that home producers of these machines were refusing orders for delivery before the harvest; and that we are importing these machines from hard currency countries and exporting them to soft currency countries? Is this not crazy?

Mr. Westwood

I will certainly look into the points that have been raised. I am not aware whether or not the points made by the hon. Member are facts or not.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that manufacturers of these machines, such as Garvie & Sons of Aberdeen, are greatly handicapped by lack of materials; and will he do what he can to facilitate the production of these machines, especially having regard to the urgency in the present season?

Mr. Westwood

I am aware that the whole of the engineering industry is affected by shortages of materials, and that an assurance has repeatedly been given in this House that we are doing all we possibly can to help deal with that problem.

Mr. Snadden

Is it not a fact that we exported 8,000 tractors during the past 12 months; and why cannot our home producers have some?