§ 47. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that the production of hay barns for essential agricultural purposes has been seriously delayed during periods 1, 2 and 3, of 1947, owing to the inability of manufacturers to secure supplies of the necessary rolled steel, joists and other necessary steelwork; and whether, having regard to the assurances given that every possible assistance is to be given to agriculture, he will make directions to ensure now a sufficiently high priority to provide adequate supplies of this steel work in the future.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)Yes, Sir, I am aware of this delay in production, due primarily to the overall shortage of steel. The position will be improved by the arrangements that have been made for the early issue of "M" forms to hay barn manufacturers.