63. Lieut.-Colonel Clifton-Brownasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken by his Department to increase the importation of John Deere sugar beet harvesters, which have proved quite satisfactory, and which would be of assistance in the coming sugar beet harvest.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsEvery endeavour is being made to increase the importation of John Deere sugar beet harvesters for the coming harvest, but I am afraid that, owing to manufacturing difficulties at the plant in U.S.A., very few machines are likely to be available this season.
Lieut.-Colonel Clifton-BrownCan the Minister make representations to see if he can import a few more than he is doing, as these are most valuable machines and will be badly needed at the next harvest?
§ Mr. WilliamsI can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that our programme included no fewer than 200 machines. Later, we were informed that, perhaps, 44 might be the maximum. Since then, owing to further manufacturing difficulties, I fear that even this latter number will be reduced.