HC Deb 24 November 1947 vol 444 cc1592-4
48. Mr. York

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has taken any steps to aid the Nuffield organisation to start the manufacture of agricultural tractors.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

Initial allocations of steel have been made and my Department is being kept informed of the progress of this project. Apart from this and the general support of the Department, I am not aware that any special help is needed.

57. Colonel Ropner

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the increased number of tractors now being produced for the home market he will give an assurance that supplies of trailer implements such as ploughs, cultivators and disc harrows will be proportionately increased.

Mr. T. Williams

I understand that production difficulties have been affecting implements rather more seriously than tractors; but manufacturers of both types of machinery are working closely together, with my help and encouragement, with a view to achieving and maintaining an appropriate balance in supplies.

Colonel Ropner

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he believes that he is kept closely informed of the very grave shortage of implements such as these in, for instance, the West Riding of Yorkshire?

Mr. Williams

Yes, I believe we have been fully informed, and that is why special steps were taken to try to secure the right balance between tractors and implements.

59. Colonel Ropner

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that manufacturers of agricultural machinery are concerned about the supply of malleable castings, ball bearings and chains; and whether, in view of his plan to increase production of agricultural machinery for the home market, he will take steps to ensure that these materials, as well as steel, are supplied in greater quantities for machinery to be used in this country.

Mr. T. Williams

At my request, my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply, has been, and is, doing all he can to overcome the difficulties that agricultural machinery manufacturers are meeting in getting supplies of malleable castings, ball bearings, and precision chain, for all of which the demand exceeds the supply.

Colonel Ropner

Is the Minister satisfied that his right hon. Friend is succeeding in his efforts, and can he give an assurance that the supply position is likely to improve in the near future?

Mr. Williams

I said my right hon. Friend is doing his best to achieve what we desire.

Colonel Ropner

Is the Minister satisfield that his right hon. Friend is succeeding in his efforts?

Mr. Williams

I believe so.