57. Lieut.-Colonel Geoffrey Clifton-Brownasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will arrange for the immediate allocation of more steel and iron to farriers and blacksmiths in West Suffolk to enable them to carry out the essential work of repairing agricultural machinery and implements.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsMy Department does not normally make allocations of iron and steel to small farriers and blacksmiths, as their needs are usually met through 33 the Small Quantities Exemption arrangements. I am aware that certain difficulties are being experienced as a result of the present shortage, and if the hon. and gallant Member will let me have details of any particular case he has in mind, my Department will do its best to help.
Lieut.-Colonel Clifton-BrownCan the Minister say why this could not have been gone into earlier by his Committee, so that there would not have been this present shortage?